Lydia often sings by the piano while her husband listens, sitting by the fireplace.

During a dinner party, Lydia performs a romance song at the piano.

Midway through the evening, her husband receives orders to leave on a business trip.

As the guests depart, the only one who remains is a handsome prince (played by Vladimir Maksimov), a longtime family friend who is hopelessly in love with Lydia.

The film begins and ends with a scene of Lydia’s husband as an old man, sitting by the fireplace, gazing at the dying embers and reminiscing about his lost happiness—giving the film its title.