On the Neman

Kirło and his wife enthusiastically try to matchmake Justyna with Różyc, but she finds him repulsive. Instead, she helps the Bohatyrowicz family during the harvest. She learns that Janka dreams of marrying her son to the wealthy neighbor, Jadwiga Dowmuntówna. Despite this, Justyna spends more and more time with Jan and Anzelm. Aunt Marta urges her to marry Różyc, though she herself once made the mistake of rejecting the man she loved. Upon hearing of Różyc’s intentions, Zygmunt Korczyński travels to Korczyn. He asks Justyna for forgiveness and insists their youthful love can be rekindled.

Not only Justyna, but also Benedykt’s son Witold, feels drawn to the Bohatyrowicz family. The family conflict deepens, especially since Mr. Korczyński and his wife disagree about Justyna’s potential marriage to Różyc. Justyna and Witold attend the wedding of one of the Bohatyrowicz girls. That night, Jan and Justyna confess their love, and Benedykt finally reconnects with his son. The next day, the Kirłos arrive at Korczyn with a marriage proposal on behalf of Różyc. Justyna rejects it, announcing she is already engaged to Jan. Mrs. Emilia has a hysterical fit, old Mr. Orzelski is devastated—but nothing can shake Justyna’s happiness.