As their period of living together draws to its inevitable end, Sten and Helena discover that a baby is on the way. Anxieties and aggressions begin to darken the lighthearted play which has been a characteristic of their affair. In search of relief, Sten embarks on a new affair. When the time of Helena's confinement arrives, Sten, impatient with waiting, goes to a cinema and returns too late to share in the birth. After the birth, Helena, emotionally weary, starts a new affair herself.

The changing moods of the tale are set against the moods of the four seasons. Muted quarrels and suppressed taunts lead events with solemn Swedish simplicity to stoical acceptance of civilized separation. I love? You love? Who loves?