Wimsey is tasked by a solicitor to discover which of two aged, estranged siblings died first when both pass away on Armistice Day.

Fentiman believes he is being followed by the shadowy figure of Mr. Oliver, and Ann Doland seeks to settle the estate when plans are made for exhumation.

The General's death is attributed to a lethal overdose of digitalis and as the primary beneficiary is Ann Dorland, suspicion falls on her.

Wimsey finally meets Ann Doland, and through examining one of her paintings realizes that her ill-fated romance is the key to solving the poison murder of General Fentiman.