"Sir Hugo" (Paul Schofield) is an acclaimed author who lives a comfortable life with his wife "Hilde" (June Tobin). Unexpectedly, he finds he is to receive a guest for dinner. "Carlotta" (Deborah Kerr) was an ex-girlfriend many years ago, and it is soon quite clear after her arrival that they didn't part well. Indeed, there is little more between them than a thinly veiled disregard wrapped in poliver mais...