Aubrey Tanqueray, a well-off widower, is set to marry Paula Ray, a woman both younger and socially frowned upon. His previous marriage brought little joy, with his first wife passing away shortly after giving birth to their daughter Ellean. Raised in a convent, Ellean is on the verge of final vows when she decides to return to Aubrey, following a spiritual encounter with her late mother.

A Marriage Against Social Norms

Cayley Drummle, a friend of Aubrey, questions the wisdom of marrying outside one’s social class, a concern Aubrey brushes aside in his quest for companionship. Yet, doubts creep in when Paula arrives late to his apartment, sparking fears of scandal among the servants. Paula's dismissive attitude towards the staff, viewing them as mere functional entities, hints at deeper insecurities about her unconventional union with Aubrey.

Struggles in Domestic Bliss

Two months post-marriage, the cracks in Aubrey and Paula's relationship are visible to all. Paula finds the quiet countryside life at Aubrey's Surrey residence insufferable, while he worries about potential discord between Paula and Ellean. Their neighbors' aloofness only adds to the tension.

Ellean's Return and Social Tensions

Ellean, having lived a sheltered life, becomes a wedge between Aubrey and Paula. Despite Aubrey's attempts to foster a bond, the two women fail to connect. Drummle, residing nearby, becomes a confidant to both Paula, who yearns for her past freedoms, and Aubrey, who laments Ellean’s disinterest in eligible suitors. Drummle encourages Mrs. Cortelyon, a neighbor and friend, to befriend Paula, which Aubrey appreciates, hoping it might mend fences.

Paula's Isolation Deepens

Paula bristles at Mrs. Cortelyon’s interest in Ellean, feeling overshadowed and excluded. Mrs. Cortelyon's candid reminder of Aubrey's first wife further alienates Paula. Out of spite, Paula extends an invitation to the Orreyeds, a couple from her past life that Aubrey disapproves of, fearing their influence on Ellean.

An Unwelcome Visit

With Ellean in Paris, the Orreyeds visit, and their boorish behavior grates on Paula’s nerves. Their actions—insulting the hosts, damaging property, and lounging disrespectfully—are appalling, yet Paula can only seethe silently, her own invitation tying her hands. This incident magnifies Paula’s sense of being trapped and misunderstood.

Efforts Towards Reconciliation

Aubrey’s intentions of kindness towards Paula are stymied by her defensive posture. Drummle, who knew Paula before her marriage, manages to soften her standpoint somewhat. He persuades Paula to hand over intercepted letters between Mrs. Cortelyon and Ellean to Aubrey, prompting a rare moment of forgiveness from him.

A Path to Redemption

Aubrey voices his dismay at Paula’s inappropriate humor and constant cynicism, leading her to seek another chance to improve relations with Ellean. Mrs. Cortelyon and Ellean soon return, with news of Ellean's engagement to Captain Hugh Ardale, a romance documented in the intercepted letters.

Confronting the Past

Ellean, eager to share her joy with Paula, is initially rebuffed, but soon the two reconcile. Paula’s past with Ardale, whom she once knew intimately, resurfaces. Paula insists on revealing the truth to Aubrey, but Ardale threatens desperate measures to prevent disruption of his engagement to Ellean.

The Clash of Truth and Love

When Aubrey learns of Paula and Ardale’s history, he forbids Ellean from seeing Ardale, much to her disbelief. Ellean challenges Paula, who is unable to admit her past, leading Ellean to conclude the worst about Paula’s character.

The Final Goodbye

Ardale’s note to Paula hints at his departure to Paris, leaving any explanations to her and Aubrey. In a moment of introspection, Paula reflects on the emotional distances between people, especially within marriage, predicting the eventual demise of her current relationship.

A Tragic End

Drummle and Aubrey discuss the impact of Ellean's relationship with Ardale when Ellean, distraught, summons Aubrey to Paula. She recounts hearing a distressing noise and finding Paula’s lifeless body, a result, she believes, of her own unkind words. The revelation leaves a mark on Ellean, who blames herself for Paula’s tragic end.