In the autumn of his days, a distinguished privy councillor contemplates his past, looking back at the key moments of his life. A reluctant and indolent student, he recalls the chance meeting with a professor and his wife, which leads to his sharing their lodgings. In a flash of revelation, the professor unlocks his thirst for knowledge and an ambiguous and close friendship is formed. But the professor harbors a dark secret which changes and scars both men forever.