Mistress Kitty Bellairs has decided that Lord Mandeville would be an excellent match for her. Lord Mandeville. unfortunately, has no matrimonial inclinations, but Mistress Bellairs has secured the help of Mandeville's sister, Lady Dare-Stamer, and he often finds himself left in Kitty's society. One night at the theater, Mandeville sees and falls in love with Rachel Peace, a young Quakeress, who has been driven by her unhappy home life to London and the stage. Mandeville decides to make Rachel's acquaintance and arrives in the green-room just in time to protect her from the too-pressing attentions of Captain Spicer. Lord Mandeville knocks Spicer down and sends Rachel to her home in his own coach. Captain Spicer is a society parasite who earns a living by his wits. He introduces young Mr. Jernigan to the sights of the town, and the quarrel with Mandeville is doubly unpleasant for young Jernigan, who parts from Captain Spicer in disgust.