Irene (Greta Garbo) is stuck in a passionless marriage with her husband, Charles Guarry (Anders Randolf). She strays and falls for lawyer André Dubail (Conrad Nagel), but their secret relationship doesn't last. Irene then starts hanging around love-struck 18-year-old Pierre (Lew Ayres). Pierre kisses Irene farewell as he departs for school, but Charles walks in on the innocent embrace, leading to a scuffle. Charles is killed, Irene takes the blame and a murder trial full of twists ensues.