: A boy is invited to the Christmas tree as a taper. The great pianist present there finds his extraordinary talent.

The Rudnev family, one of the most disorderly and hospitable Moscow families, is waiting for guests at the Christmas tree. The mistress of the house, Irina Alexandrovna comes from a princely family. She leaves her room only on solemn occasions, believing that the society of her husband and children has gone too far for her. She communicates exclusively with the descendants of ancient clans. This does not prevent her from being jealous of her husband Arkady Nikolayevich, who, despite his fifty-odd years, retains a reputation as a ladies man, remains a player, a gourmet and a generous patron of ballet art. He loves a noisy society and eagerly participates in Christmas tree celebrations, to which Ryabov’s orchestra always invites.

This year, due to a misunderstanding, neither Ryabov’s orchestra nor any other could be invited, and Arkady Nikolaevich decides to invite a taper. The maid Dunyasha is sent for a taper, and guests begin to arrive at the house.

Dunyasha is not returning. Tina Rudneva, for whom this "adult" holiday of the Christmas tree is the first in her life, is most burnt from anxiety. Finally, the confused Dunyasha returns and brings a thin ugly boy, Yuri Agazarov, fourteen years old, who can be given eleven to twelve years old.This is the only taper she could find. Offended by the distrust of the eldest daughter of the Rudnevs, Lydia Arkadyevna, the boy asks for permission to play something.

Having been delighted with the game of Yuri, Arkady Nikolayevich decides that making him play dances is godless, but while the boy is playing, and the guests are dancing.

Here an elderly woman enters the hall, apparently a very important gentleman whom Rudnev calls Anton Grigoryevich and asks Yuri to play. When Yuri finishes, Rudnev gives the boy an envelope with money and says that Anton Grigoryevich, who became interested in his game, will take him home. Surprised Yuri does not know that this person is Anton Grigorievich Rubinstein himself.

Agazarov, who is becoming one of the most talented composers, never tells anyone about the first conversation with his great teacher.