Having decided to get married, he is in no hurry to meet a potential bride. Even when his friend Kochkarev eliminates potential competitors, it does not encourage Podkolesin to make a proposal to his chosen one. ShpakSimple-minded official Mikhail Balsaminov dreams of finding himself a rich bride – his chosen one is merchant Domna Belotelova. Acquaintances, having been on his visit, immediately began to tease him, believing that he is going to get married. Having succumbed to temptation, the hero marries his landlady, who does not appreciate his passion for antiques and is also stingy.