American Margaret Armstrong tolerates a mild flirtation with Austrian cavalry officer Lieut. Erich Von Steuben when her husband, a famous surgeon, neglects her during their vacation at Cortina d'Ampezzo in the Alps. After Margaret slips a note under the lieutenant's door, Von Steuben goes to her room at night, but encounters Armstrong's friend and mountain guide Silent Sepp, who changed rooms to protect Margaret from Von Steuben's advances. The next day, the doctor and Von Steuben climb the Pinnacle, a peak known for its inaccessibility. At the top, Armstrong sees Margaret's note in Von Steuben's coat, but it blows away before he can read it. He threatens Von Steuben with death unless he tells the truth about whether Margaret agreed to go away with him. Von Steuben, afraid that Armstrong will not believe the truth, says that she did agree. Armstrong starts down the mountain alone but finds his wife's note which unequivocally states her love for her husband. He goes to help Von Steuben but slips and is saved by a rescue party. They arrive too late for Von Steuben who panics and falls to his death. As the Armstrongs prepare to leave, Sepp advises his friend that his wife needs love. Armstrong tenderly takes Margaret's hand as they ride away.