The arrival of an artist at a quiet boarding school disrupts the fragile equilibrium of a schoolmaster's marriage and his professional aspirations. Bill Mor, a man caught between the expectations of his domestic life and the sudden emergence of new desires, finds himself drawn to the painter Rain Carter. As he navigates the complexities of his potential political career and his personal attachments, he faces opposition from his wife, Nan, and his children, who act to preserve their family structure. The narrative explores the tension between duty and individual longing within a constrained, academic setting.

Readers and critics frequently note the precision of the prose and the sharp psychological insight displayed throughout the narrative. Discussion often centers on the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist and the ruthless nature of the domestic conflict portrayed. The atmosphere is described as claustrophobic, effectively mirroring the internal struggles of the characters as they confront their desires. Many highlight the balance between the intellectual themes and the grounded, realistic portrayal of family dynamics. The work is often cited for its ability to examine complex human behaviors without resorting to simplistic moral judgments.