Mrs Freeman, a doctor's widow, is fussily feminine in contrast to her sister, who is a "no nonsense" sort of aunt. The two daughters are Violetta - a stage beauty - and Jane, a resigned by youngish spinster. Jane has sent a miniature of the lovely Violetta (as though it were herself) to a friend of their childhood days. He is now in the Army and writes asking Jane to marry him. He returns form the war, and Jane fears his reaction when he finds she is ot the girl of the miniature. Her aunt gives her courage. Major Fieldon comes to the house; but he is blind and has never received the miniature.