The action centers in the late nineteenth century. Policarpo De Tappetti is a calligrapher who works under the direction of Don Cesar Pancarano of Rondo. For many years, Policarpo seeks a promotion and a raise that never came, and, it seems, will never come. One day, Jerome, the son of Don Caesar knows Celeste, the daughter of Polycarp, and falls for her. Policarpo see in that regard the solution to aspirations at work, and does everything in its power to make this relationship fruitful. Don Cesar, who claims to be Earl, looks very dim your child see a girl so different social position, and does just the opposite. But nothing will serve the efforts of both parties, as Celeste is in love with Mario Marquetti, a "mechanical specialized" (typing) who is giving private lessons at the offices of the employer Franquinet.