Neil Klugman is a 29 year old librarian who has fallen for a young woman named Brenda Patimkin. The two are from different social economic circles although Brenda’s family once lived in the same area as Neil’s. Neil has served in the military, attended college and is living in the home of his aunt and uncle. Brenda is from a wealthy family, attends Radcliffe College in Boston, and lives at home with her mother, father, brother Ron, and sister Julie.
Neil’s first encounter with Brenda is at the club where Brenda asks Neil to hold her eye glasses. Neil then seeks out Brenda and a romance begins. In the midst of Neil and Brenda’s budding relationship, Brenda’s brother Ron announces that he is getting married to his girlfriend Harriet. Brenda asks Neil to take his vacation at the Patimkin home which leads to a number of uncomfortable experiences as Mrs. Patimkin makes it clear that Brenda picked a bad time for Neil to have moved in. As the two progress in their relationship, it becomes clear that Neil and Brenda have different perspectives of lifestyles and ambitions. For Brenda, money can buy anything from a new nose to a fancy coat.
Neil talks Brenda into seeing a doctor and getting a diaphragm. Brenda goes back to Radcliffe and Neil comes to visit. At this visit Brenda reveals that her parents found out about the diaphragm and after an argument the two break up.