It is not until several weeks after deciding to murder his wife that Dr Bickleigh takes any active steps in the matter.
Julia Bickleigh's behaviour becomes more and more extreme, and then she dies.
At last able to pursue the beautiful Madeleine, Dr Bickleigh is alarmed to find her less amorous than he had supposed.
Dr Bickleigh finds himself on trial for murder - which has an unexpected conclusion.