The producer is rehearsing his bored cast in a one-act play for a charity matinee. Monty represents the over-successful artist, Caroline the disillusioned wife, and Edwin the lover who, after opening her husband's eyes to what he is losing, takes her away; she returns, however, explaining that he was no lover but a dramatist cousin who had created the situation to help her. After the play, Caroline suddenly realizes that she and Monty are in the same situation, and she appeals first to him and then to Edwin - but neither responds!