Gertrude has lost her husband and Anne, an ex-nun, her god. They plan to live together and do good works. Polish exile and imaginary soldier, the "Count" watches over Gertrude with loving patience. An accomplished scrounger and failed painter, Tim is a different sort of soldier. He plans, with his mistress, to live off rich friends.Who will judge whom in this rich and riveting story? Who will act nobly, and who will act basely? Who will be lucky?