Frank is a confident, charming author with a secret mistress in London; a relationship he wants to keep casual. Frank's secret is a burden he bears lightly, but he finds himself increasingly drawn into examining his unworthiness which ultimately horrifies him. Maria, an artist, is his good humoured wife putting a brave face on his neglect. Feeling increasingly emotional and isolated as she approaches middle age, she eventually breaks down admitting her loneliness at Frank's absences. The cathart