Florence, a lovely, kind hearted young lady who gives up her position as teacher to the poor children of her town to marry a well-to-do young gentleman and move up in the world to a house he has inherited. Far from anyone they know, Florence tries her best to overlook her young husband's weaknesses and to appreciate the gift of their fine inheritance. Unfortunately, the previous owner was a hoarder, not the type who piles up dirt and junk, but the type who lovingly collects and cares for, endless tiny rooms full of trinkets, laces, furniture, silver, china, books, crystal, figurines and paintings, all crowded together and all far too valuable to dispose of, yet overwhelming and suffocating as a whole.

Enter Miss Bede, an elegant, mysterious visitor to the area, who offers her advice and help to the young couple. Unlike Florence, Miss Bede seems able to fully appreciate, even love, the house and all it's contents and soon her presense adds to the sense of suffocation, while questions about her past and her intentions give rise to a nameless fear.