[2] With this work, Denevi began a recognized literary career in the national and international arena.

Ms. Milagros is the owner of the pension where she lives with her three daughters, Camilo Canegato (a shy and quiet painter), David Réguel (a smart and overly confident law student) and Mrs. Eufrasia (a retired teacher who enjoys gossip), among other characters.

For six months, Camilo receives mysterious love letters from a girl who identifies herself as Rosaura (Rosa in the English version).

Camilo met young Rosaura while working on a job to restore a painting for a rich man.

Then, the story is told as each of the characters testify to the inspector of the circumstances surrounding Rosaura's murder.