Both married to naval officers, Kate and Cass cope differently with their husbands' absences. Kate revels in her sexual freedom, while nothing can compensate Cass for her husband's cruelty. They are best friends, but Kate is powerless to stop the tragic outcome set in motion by an unwitting Cass.

Both married to naval officers, Kate and Cass cope differently with their husbands' absences. Kate revels in her sexual freedom, while nothing can compensate Cass for her husband's cruelty. They are best friends, but Kate is powerless to stop the tragic outcome set in motion by an unwitting Cass.