When young Michael Berg falls ill on his way home from 'school, he is rescued by Hanna, a woman twice his age. In time she becomes his lover, enthralling him with her passion, butpuzzling him with her odd silences. Then she disappears.

Michael next sees Hanna when she is on trial for a hid-eous crime, refusing to defend herself. As he watches, he begins to realize that Hanna may be guarding a secret she considers more shameful than murder.