Whenever the storm-clouds gather, old Lady Madehurst, with her sense of the past, her dead husband, and her cherished little domestic souvenirs, sends for the family. Herbert is wealthy and very mean, Harvey is the stay-at-home, who writes detective stories, and shoulders most of the responsibility. Sydney, the eldest son, whose frauds have brought him the unwelcome attentions of the police and whose habits have earned him the disgust of his brothers and sister, is reputed to be dead, but the latter know differently. He is in hiding abroad. Sarah, Lady Madehurst's daughter, brings the dread news that Sydney has returned and is demanding money, but this is kept from the old lady. Sydney, very drunk, visits the house and has a stormy interview with Harvey, whose chief interest is to get him out before their mother comes from upstairs..