Lydia Halley longs to leave home. At twenty-one and working in the local button factory her life seems empty and unfulfilled. After the tragedy of her mother's death she decides to take up a position in a city many miles from home. Her father laments her departure but for Lydia it is the freedom she has yearned for. Taking up lodgings her new life begins. It was in the beautiful city gardens that she first met Guy Anderson but thought no more about the handsome stranger. Until she chances upon him once more. And so begins a friendship which blossoms into love, until one day a telegram from Italy tells of Guy's father's terrible accident and the need for his presence. And their passionate leave-taking has dramatic consequences for them both...