All that remains of his property is a fine old Virginian country house, barely maintained by Claudia, her sister Elizabeth (Kaye), her brothers Paul (Barker) and Charles (Hackett), and their African-American cook Mammy Jackson (Miller), who is still loyal to the household.

When father goes North to consult a great physician, there is no money left when news comes that a costly operation must be performed.

There is only one way this expense can be met, and that is by accepting an offer by Northerner Burton Crane (O'Brien) for temporary lease and occupation of the fine house for $3,000, though he insists on having only white servants.

As a result, the members of the former high-born Southern family take the servant positions, with Claudia as cook, her sister Elizabeth as maid, and her brothers as a butler and general worker.

After a telegram arrives stating that her father has survived the dangerous operation causes Claudia to falter, and Burton discovers what has been going on.