The Cross by the Brook

Eva, the ward of a mill, meets Štěpán Potocký, a landowner, on whose line a curse has been placed which in past generations has roused fratricidal feuds over women. Eva is a smart and courageous girl, and she decides to accept Štěpán's offer of marriage and break the ancient curse. Štěpán's brother Ambrož acts severely towards his sister-in-law at the outset, but after a while he has a pleasant relationship with her and with little Evička who has been born to Eva and Štěpán after a year. The marriage, which appeared to be such a happy one, begins to turn sour through the fault of Štěpán. The young man succumbs to gambling and alcohol and even takes a lover, the experienced innkeeper's daughter Mařička. Ambrož falls in love with Eva and tries to persuade her to leave Štěpán and go away with him. Ambrož eventually leaves alone and Eva continues to bear her difficult lot. The debts of the couple mount and the estate is put up for auction. Eva goes to ask Ambrož for help but he refuses her request. After her return home her furious husband attacks her with a knife. He flees thinking he has killed Eva. Štěpán comes to realize what Eva means to him and he joyfully greets the news that she has only been injured. Ambrož buys the estate at the auction for little Evička and transfers the bill of sale to her parents, who perhaps have now broken the family curse.