Wealthy merchant Sir John Frugal takes pity on his penniless brother Luke and invites him to live under his roof with John's own haughty wife and two foolishly conceited daughters. As Luke plots to steal from his brother, and his daughters arrogantly spurn worthy suitors, John plans to teach them all a lesson. Retiring to a monastic life, he leaves his brother Luke in charge of the household, before returning in disguise to watch havoc unfold...