In the late 1800s, Fred Neville is a young officer in the Hussars and falls heir to an earldom. But before taking up his responsibilities, he spends a year in Ireland where his regiment is posted. Among the romantic surroundings, Fred meets and falls in love with an Irish girl of mysterious background. His family is opposed to the match but nothing can stop Fred, setting the scene for a tragic outcome in this frank and daring treatment of pre-marital sex.