[1][2] Camilla Busin, a middle-aged Venetian widow, arrives in Rome to take up service as a maid for the Rossetti family, consisting of Mario, a health care physician, his wife Giovanna and their children Andrea and Cristina.

Mario tries to advance his career by preparing an exam to obtain a more remunerative qualification, but his studies are listless and are made difficult by family tensions, caused by the difficulty of maintaining the desired standard of living.

The family tensions lead Mario to alcohol abuse and to court Paola, an old flame of his revisited after many years, in turn unaware of Gianni's casual approaches towards his wife.

He declares himself willing to finance the company, but during the banquet that should sanction the agreement with the Swiss producer, and in which the products destined for commerce are served, everyone feels sick.

The Rossetti family is convinced to assume a standard of living more suited to their means, Mario breaks off relations with Gianni who finally agrees to marry Donatella.