While waiting at a table for the arrival of their husbands, three women, Rakel, Karin and Marta, begin talking and share secrets. Rakel tells of her marriage with Eugen, and her simultaneous adultery with Kaj. One day, Kaj and Eugen returned home from a shooting excursion. Rakel, professing to be disgusted by Kaj, revealed they have cheated on Eugen. Rakel told Eugen she was not looking for his forgiveness; Eugen said he intended to expel Rakel from the house, with her possessions and an allowance. Rakel replied she is not Eugen's property. Eugen stormed out with a rifle, and Rakel chased after him, fearing he would commit suicide. When Eugen threatened to kill himself, Rakel asked an elderly neighbour to talk sense into him. Rakel tells the women at the table she has come to think of Eugen as her child and is resolved to take care of him.