In 1930s New York City, struggling artist Eben Adams encounters a mysterious young girl named Jennie Appleton in Central Park. Her old-fashioned attire and mannerisms perplex him, but her charm and sadness inspire Eben to create a portrait of her. Each subsequent meeting with Jennie reveals more about her enigmatic past, helping Eben's artistic vision to flourish. As their bond deepens, Jennie's fleeting visits always leave Eben with an aching curiosity. His work, significantly influenced by these encounters, begins to gain recognition from an art dealer named Miss Spinney. The elusive Jennie continues to provide Eben with much-needed inspiration, guiding him through creative and emotional blocks.

As Eben delves deeper into Jennie's life, he discovers startling inconsistencies and supernatural clues that suggest she is not of his time. His fascination with Jennie turns into an obsessive quest to uncover the truth behind her existence. Eben's journey is marked by emotional highs and lows as he navigates the realms of love, mystery, and artistic ambition. With each new piece of information, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, compelling Eben to confront the profound connections between life, art, and the enduring impact of an ethereal muse on his soul.