During an excursion to Zurich, Gerda, the pretty boarder of a Lausanne school, falls in love with Hans Landolt, the owner of the hotel where she stays. Now, the young lady is still a minor and Sir Walter, her eccentric uncle and legal guardian living in Calcutta, opposes the marriage. The complicating factor is that the old man does not want a mere hotel keeper in the family. So deep are Hans' feelings for Gerda that he is ready to sell his establishment and to find something higher in keeping with Sir Walter's demands. But it is without counting Schultess, the former wine steward, now retired. If Sir Walter opposes the marriage Schultess for his part opposes the sale. And for a good reason: Landholt Sr. had indeed promised him the right to - a free meal of the day for the rest of his life.