Anne Desbaresdes, the young wife of a wealthy director of a large enterprise, is bored in her provincial setting by the sea, when she meets an employee of her husband's factory in a cafe. She represents the upper stratum of society, longing for love, adventure, and escape, whether real or imaginary.

She pursues this employee, Chauvin, questioning him about the murder they have both witnessed. Together they relate or imagine the murder, seeking an escape in violence. As they drink wine, their hands and eventually their lips touch: there is also escape in alcohol and love.

Duras plays on the oppressive nature of social gatherings in high society. Anne returns late after one of her meetings with Chauvin at the cafe. The anonymous "on" (one) is the only term used to identify the guests. As the author moves without transition to Chauvin, who...