Set in the Armenian urban milieu of the Caucasus at the turn of the twentieth century, the story touches on education, the press, theatre, culture, charity, and social reputation. At its centre is Baghdasar, a wealthy man who wishes to appear enlightened and devoted to the public good. His encounters with those around him reveal the distance between declared convictions and private conduct, while showing how easily indifference and self-interest can hide behind respectable principles.