 With the outbreak of World War II, a Polish girl, a French girl, an English girl, and two American girls are faced with the problem of living with Erna, a sensitive young German girl. When Warsaw is bombed and the Polish girl learns of the death of her parents, there is no concealing the feeling against Erna. The Polish girl had loved Erna s brother and he had been in a German plane near Warsaw. Soon Erna is trying to conceal her letters, unable to bear the anguish and bewilderment they cause her. Through it all the headmistress tries valiantly to preserve this kindly refuge where peace and tolerance may still have life. Finally, in a deeply moving scene, Erna is forced to read a letter which honestly describes her family s position. This letter tells of her brother s death: he chose to destroy himself and his plane rather than drop bombs on Warsaw. This absolves Erma and dispels forever the enmity which has displaced the girls  understanding and love.