This is a story about a beggar Lushkoff who used to beg posing as a school teacher or a student. He meets an advocate Sergei who offers him a job at his house.
Sergei asked Lushkoff to chop woods for him. He asked his servant, Olga, to look after him. Lushkoof was very weak. He could not do any hard work. Olga found him incapable of chopping the wood. She rebuked him but she was very sympathetic to him. She wept for him. Olga decided to help him. She worked in his place and informed Sergei that he had done his work. She made him get half a rouble.
Sergei asked Lushkoff to come to work on the first of every month. Lushkoff was always rebuked by Olga for his inefficiency. But it was Olga only who helped him in his work.
Once Sergei asked Lushkoff to help in the shifting of house. He looked weak and unhealthy. Sergei thought that he should not put him to hard work and decided to send him to his friend for an easier job. Lushkoff got a more respectable job.
After two years, Sergei met Lushkoff in a theatre. He was well dressed and looked healthier. He had become a notary and was earning thirty-five roubles a month.
Sergei felt good. Lushkoff thanked Sergei for his kind words and deeds. He disclosed that it was Olga who helped and set him right. He would never forget her. Olga’s words and actions had brought a change in him. She made him quit drinking.
Lushkoff expressed his gratitude to Sergei and Olga. He bid him goodbye and departed for work.