Miss Ruth Thorn, a reporter for the local newspaper "Herald," moves to the countryside for six months to take care of her Aunt Jane Hathaway's house while she travels to Europe. The only thing Aunt Jane asked Ruth in a note, without explaining the reason, was to light the lamp in the eastern attic window every evening. The light from the lamp has been continuously burning for five years, and this ritual must be maintained now too.
Ruth begins to immerse herself in the life of the quiet countryside, getting to know the mysterious Miss Ainsley and a young man named Carl Windild. Carl was also once a reporter at the "Herald" newspaper where Ruth works, but due to vision problems, he is temporarily unable to work and, on his eye doctor's recommendation, needs to rest for six months. The newspaper's editor suggested he follow Ruth.
Between Ruth and Carl, feelings gradually arise, and soon they plan a future together. However, the return of Aunt Jane with a new husband changes the usual course of events, and Ruth temporarily moves to Miss Ainsley's house. Thus, another couple of months of serene life pass. Carl and Ruth plan a wedding soon. But one day, Miss Ainsley gets out of bed in a completely different mood than usual and reveals her secret to Ruth and the reason for the lamp in Aunt Jane's house.