When a young man goes from the demands and rigors of the army to a luxurious and serene country living, his mind is bound to wander where it should not. Such is the fate of Alexei Alexeyevich Fedyashev, who becomes so absorbed in his newfound idleness that he falls in love with an old portrait.

When the famous conjurer and medium Count Cagliostro accidentally ends up at Fedyashev's estate, the young man begs him to bring his dream to reality. 'Be careful what you wish for,' is the lesson young Alexei has yet to learn - and how!