Poor widow Billy Herman plans to speed the demise of the wealthy uncle who lives with her in Boston. A comely new female boarder quickens the hearts of both the niece and the elderly misanthrope. The new tenant, a struggling actress, is perfect casting for the crucial role in the gaslight era murder melodrama the niece has plotted for so long.
Carl checks into a hotel and promptly steps out onto the ledge, apparently intending to kill himself. Carl recounts the events that have led him to this decision. His beautiful wife Karen was having an affair with a married man called Steve and eventually decides to leave her husband for him. Carl warns her that men like Steve will never leave their wives for a mistress but she...