Bruce Dudley, originally John Stockton, feels trapped in his life as a Chicago reporter. Yearning for adventure, he leaves behind his job, his wife Bernice, and his identity. Adopting a new name inspired by signs he sees in Illinois, he journeys to Old Harbor, Indiana, and finds work at the Grey Wheel Company.

New Beginnings in Old Harbor

At the factory, Bruce works alongside Sponge Martin, a lively older man with a simple lifestyle. Bruce admires Sponge's carefree attitude, especially when he spends evenings fishing by the river with his wife. These moments of bliss inspire a sense of longing in Bruce, who yearns for such contentment.

Life Along the Mississippi

During his travels down the Mississippi River, Bruce spends several months in New Orleans. There, he becomes captivated by the music and laughter of the African American community. Their seemingly uncomplicated and joyful lives strike a chord with Bruce.

The Unspoken Connection

Aline Grey, the wife of Fred Grey, notices Bruce one evening outside the factory. His presence reminds her of a past attraction she felt in Paris. Despite being married to Fred, a man who provided stability after the war, Aline is drawn to Bruce.

A Chance Encounter

When Bruce walks by the Grey household and sees Aline, an unspoken connection forms between them. Although they exchange no words, both feel a magnetic pull. Their paths intertwine further when Aline hires Bruce as a gardener, replacing his factory job.

Gardener by Day, Confidant by Night

Initially, Bruce and Aline maintain a professional distance, concealing their feelings behind imagined conversations. Fred, suspicious of Bruce's presence, remains unaware of the true nature of his wife's interest in their hired help. Aline observes Fred's routine departures each morning, pondering the complexities of love and modern life.

Reflections on Love and Society

Aline contemplates the absence of true romantic passion in her life and questions societal norms that stifle genuine emotion. Her musings underscore the silent tension between her, Fred, and Bruce, while the laughter of the household's black servants highlights the simplicity with which they embrace life.

A Fateful Day in June

With the servants attending a parade and Fred away, Aline and Bruce find themselves alone. Succumbing to their mutual attraction, Bruce follows Aline into the house through a door she leaves ajar. After their tryst, Bruce vanishes from Old Harbor as Fred remains unaware of the day's events.

The Consequences Unfold

Months later, Aline informs Fred she is pregnant with Bruce's child. When Fred witnesses her and Bruce together in the garden, she calmly reveals the truth. Despite Fred's pleas for her to reconsider, Aline and Bruce depart, leaving Fred behind.

Fred's Tormented Response

Overwhelmed with emotions, Fred contemplates violence and self-harm but ultimately does not act on these impulses. Fueled by rage, he fires a shot into the darkness by the river, an act of futile anger. Returning home, he collapses into sobs, grappling with his loss.

The Mocking Chorus

As Fred attempts to reconcile with his emotions, he hears laughter outside his home. The younger of their two black servants expresses her awareness of the affair, her laughter mingling with the night air, a haunting reminder of the simplicity Bruce once admired.