Book is in French 1949. Sisters Irène and Flora find themselves at the convent of the Sisters of Good Counsel in circumstances that are dramatic to say the least. If reconciliation takes place slowly between the nun and her community, a story of letters hidden and then destroyed will soon give rise to a new misunderstanding, thereby provoking Flora's anger and her desire for revenge. Still without news of an older brother whom she hopes more than ever to find, disappointed by an irresponsible father who tries to take her back with him and guided by Simone's predictions, Flora plans to run away. Not without having first started a terrible rumor about Sister Irène and her good friend Sister Adèle. Her cousin Jeanne decides to accompany her in her escape, fearing that the dark secret she is hiding will be revealed. Where will this project take the two convents? Victim of slander, will Sister Irene be able to maintain her status in her congregation? Will all these torments of the heart end in sad "stale loves"?