Minerva is a modern young woman who believes independence is the only thing that matters. Although she is married she does not believe she has to be with her husband all the time or be accountable to him in any way. She is holidaying with her mother, whom she regards as frail and old fashioned, and Daphne, her married sister, who is besotted with her two children. When an earthquake strikes the area Minerva is terrified. Her modern ideas desert her and she learns about her mother's wisdom.