At a time when unmarried relationships were distinctly frowned upon, the local school teacher "Hélène" (Stéphane Audran) is acutely aware that her spinster status might turn some heads if she is seen to be too closely associated with the recently arrived soldier "Paul" (Jean Yanne) who has taken on the job of running the local butchers. He is fairly clear about his "feelings" for her but she is much more wary of…