The story follows the life of Bartley Alexander, a successful and ambitious engineer who is at the peak of his career. He is married to Winifred, a woman from a prominent Boston family. Bartley's career takes him around the world, working on various engineering projects, and he becomes highly regarded in his field.

However, as Bartley's career flourishes, his marriage begins to suffer. He becomes increasingly distant from Winifred and finds himself drawn to Hilda Burgoyne, a talented and passionate actress he meets during one of his business trips. Bartley is torn between his commitment to his wife and his growing feelings for Hilda.

The novel explores themes of love, ambition, duty, and the consequences of one's choices. Bartley must confront the conflicts between his personal desires and societal expectations, ultimately leading to a dramatic and life-altering decision.