Spring 1940. Dr. Meerdink asks his mate Jaap in vain to use his NSB influence to have the government cancel the bridge. Anton and the curate appeal to the laborers, also in vain. The broke, lush squire sells his castle, half goes to his wife. Anton's wife ends up taking the curate's advice to return home, even gives up Marieke's adoption. The Nazi invasion is impending, but the squire and his butler are leaving to France.