Myrtle Dunnage commonly known as Tilly returns from Paris to look after her mother, Molly Dunnage. Tilly has arrived at the town of Dungatar and she meets Sergeant Farrat, a local police officer, who drives her to her mother’s place. During childhood, Tilly was bullied at school by other pupils. One of the common bullies was Stewart Pettyman. One day, the boy charged at Tilly, but she instead dodged him. Stewart hit the wall and died instantly due to neck injuries. The incident compelled the townspeople to send her away. After witnessing the incident, Molly becomes mentally and physically unstable.
The Dungatar residents are not happy with Tilly’s return. However, she finds a friend in Teddy McSwiney. Teddy ensures that Tilly is comfortable and does not feel lonely. In the course of their relationship, Teddy invites Tilly to the football dance. At the dance, people stare at her with suspicion. In the next few days, Teddy invites Tilly to attend horse races. The center of attention revolves around her dresses. Every folk admires her dresses. A few weeks later, Teddy invites her again on a date. This time she finds that her name is not among those invited. Tilly feels dejected and moves out crying. Teddy follows her to console her.
Tilly’s remorse moments come when Teddy dies. Teddy’s death makes Tilly feel isolated and lonely. Despite losing the loved one, the residents accuse her of Teddy’s death. Although she soldiers on, Tilly plans to take revenge on the Dungatar residents. Ultimately, she sets fire in the whole town. After the incident, she flees the town using a train.
