Set in London during the twenties, this fine novel centres on the lives of two young women, the recently widowed Cecilia Summers and her sister-in-law Emmeline. Cecilia, capricious and unable to really love anyone, moves reluctantly towards a second marriage to the kind, passionless Julian Tower. Emmeline, gentle but independent, is surprised to find the calm tenor of her life disturbed by her attraction to the predatory Mark Linkwater. At first she is able to accept their love-affair on Mark's terms but, in the pain of misunderstanding, Emmeline reveals her vulnerability in a violent and tragic act. Through delicate counterpoint, Elizabeth Bowen reveals her insight into the obscure motives that dictate human behaviour and explores the emotional chasm between men and women.