As the story opens, Margaret Fleming stands at the window of her home, watching the leaves fall in an autumn wind. Margaret has just received a letter from a woman named Rose Morrison, a woman who claims to be in love with and loved by Margaret's husband of 20 years, George. As Margaret contemplates the destruction of her happiness, George enters the room. The couple talk of household matters, demonstrating the ease with which Margaret cares for George's personal and professional needs. Then he departs again, leaving Margaret alone with her complete terror at the unexpected turn this most important relationship has taken.

As Margaret vows to fight for George, the butler announces the arrival of Margaret's friend Dorothy. This lifelong friend uncannily brings up a pertinent topic: the refusal of a mutual friend to give her philandering husband a divorce and his subsequent return to their...