Mileda doesn't know anything else but the brothel milieu in the Rothausgasse where she has grown up. When she's 17, a new 'salon' is opened by Madame Goldscheider in which she starts to work as a chambermaid. Her mother begs her on her deathbed to try anything to escape from that wretched milieu, but all attempts fail due to the prejudices of society against a 'girl from the Rothausgasse'. Then Mileda falls in love with Gustel which leads to a breakup between Gustel and his father, a head physician. Gustel and Mileda move in together. Soon they are unable to pay the rent, and Gustel separates from her when she receives help from a suitor. But against all odds the lovers get together again and in the end even receive the blessing of Gustel's father.