Richard adores the widow Mrs Wislack, who has a friend in Helen, herself in love with the Duke of Bristol. the Duke urges Richard to press his suit, but the widow proposes a test. they are to spend one month in her house in Scotland. However Mrs Wislack proves a tyrant: Richard’s life becomes a burden, and Helen finds the Duke impecunious. Richard and Helen slip away from the house, leaving the selfish couple possibly snowbound for weeks together.