Against the backdrop of mass emigration in early 1900s Greece, Melpo, an orphaned and impoverished young laundress, finds herself enamoured with Loris, an affluent and handsome aristocrat. However, as the humble woman and the charming suitor struggle to keep their deeper feelings for each other secret, ill-founded prejudice, along with a shrewd and perfidious machination, keep Melpo and Loris apart. Now, mesmerised by the melodious and metallic sound of the barrel piano, the innocent maiden is willing to believe anything Loris has to say. But will Loris be hers to keep?