Major Baring, a retired soldier haunted by the past, lives alone in a small town. His son, Will, whom he sent away with an assumed identity, is now imprisoned after encountering serious difficulties, a fact unknown to Will's wife, Mara, or their daughter, Elizabeth. Mara continues to hope for Will's return and rehabilitation.

"What would you do if you loved a woman whose husband she believed dead, while you know him alive? It's delightfully solved here."