As Mr. Hardcastle prepares for the arrival of his daughter’s suitor, his stepson, Tony, has some fun at the travelers’ expense.
Still thinking he’s at an inn, Marlow has his first meeting with Kate, and his friend George Hastings conspires to elope to France with Tony’s cousin Constance.
Posing as a barmaid, Kate discovers Marlow’s friskier side. Meanwhile, Tony volunteers to help Hastings and Constance in their romantic flight.
Marlow’s boorish behavior finally exhausts Hardcastle’s patience, and Tony’s well-intentioned plans for his cousin come completely undone.
Tony contrives to set things right for Constance and Hastings, and "barmaid" Kate arranges a final audience with Marlow—within earshot of the lovers’ fathers.
