Florence, new to the household, tries to win over the children by noticing Julian's ill-fitting clothes and offering new outfits. Julian is told to mind his manners as the children react. Grandmother doubts Florence's sincerity, calls the children adopted and warns outsiders won't be accepted. The dispute escalates when the elder threatens to dig up dirt and expel her. Amid the pressure, a man recalls giving Florence a cherished hairpin and vows to place it on her at their wedding. Servants clash; Florence's place remains uncertain as the threat hangs over her.