James Duffy leads a solitary life, marked by austerity and a strict routine. Without family ties or close friendships, he finds solace in music and intellectual pursuits, avoiding emotional entanglements. This lifestyle is disrupted when he meets Emily Sinico, a married woman who unexpectedly becomes an important part of his life.

Encounters with Emily Sinico

Duffy, a reserved and methodical man, works as a cashier at a private bank. He lives alone in a modest home in a Dublin suburb, shunning chaos in both his surroundings and relationships. Despite his detachment from social norms, he indulges in the arts, particularly enjoying playing Mozart on his landlady's piano and attending music events.

It is during these concerts that he encounters Emily Sinico, who seems to have been neglected emotionally by her husband, a ship captain. Intrigued by her presence, Duffy is drawn into her life, and the two begin meeting occasionally. Initially, these meetings are casual, shared walks in the evening, where Duffy's growing discomfort with secrecy prompts Emily to invite him to her home. Her husband, under the mistaken impression that Duffy is courting their daughter, warmly welcomes him.

A Blossoming Connection

In Mrs. Sinico, Duffy finds a receptive audience for his complex social and political ideologies. She listens attentively, encouraging him to share his thoughts and even lending an ear to his personal stories. However, despite her encouragement, Duffy remains reluctant to expose his ideas to the broader world, fearing judgment and competition.

As time progresses, their relationship deepens quietly. Duffy, who has long embraced emotional isolation, begins to experience an internal shift, finding unexpected warmth and comfort in their companionship. Yet, he clings to his belief in the necessary solitude of the human soul, convinced that true connection is ultimately an illusion.

A Relationship Ends

The intimacy of their bond reaches a turning point one evening when Mrs. Sinico gently presses his hand against her cheek. Taken aback, Duffy feels a mix of surprise and disillusionment, perceiving this gesture as a breach of their understanding. A week later, he decides to end their meetings, leaving Emily deeply disappointed and hurt.

Torn between his feelings and his principles, Duffy retreats back into his solitary lifestyle. He avoids familiar places where they might cross paths again, such as concerts, to prevent any awkward encounters. This self-imposed isolation lasts for four years, during which time life continues with its usual rhythm.

The Inescapable News

Years later, a headline in the newspaper catches Duffy's attention: “Death of a Lady at Sydney Parade.” The accompanying article, with the subtitle “A Painful Case,” details the tragic death of Emily Sinico, who was struck by a train. The inquest reveals that her life had taken a troubling turn, with Emily showing signs of distress and an increasing dependence on alcohol.

The testimonies from her husband and daughter paint a picture of a woman trapped in unfulfilled desires and mounting loneliness. Their accounts suggest her decline began around the time her relationship with Duffy ended. The jury finds no fault with the train driver, and the incident is labeled a "painful case," leaving no party to blame.

Duffy's Reflection

Stricken by the news, Duffy reads the article repeatedly, as if in disbelief, his lips moving silently like a priest in prayer. He is disturbed by what he perceives as a tawdry and tragic end to Emily's life, fearing it casts a shadow on his own existence. Initially, he questions if he truly knew Emily or if he had deceived himself about her character.

As he reflects further, Duffy contemplates whether his actions contributed to her fate....