After the US Civil War ended, a handful of defeated Southern soldiers return home, to find that their village is almost depopulated. Some find their wives have changed, that their children grew up and no longer recognize them; others find they are now widows; others try to find new relationships, by flirting or by force. At first, there is a reception, with dance and merriment. Then trouble starts - and the men find that the women are now ready to defend themselves, with the law of the court, or the law of the gun.