Mrs. Kaufman maintains a brownstone in New York, making a living by renting out her rooms and acting as a house mother. Her residents have quickly shifted their chores and burdens unto her, requesting towels, ice water, and the like from her at practically all hours. Waiting on them hand and foot, Mrs. Kaufman dreams of a life where she can finally rest. A family friend, Mr. Vetsburg, comes over after dinner and he discusses his plans with Ruby, Mrs. Kaufman’s daughter, to visit Atlantic City the next day; for some time, they’ve been visiting Atlantic City on weekend trips. The two invite Mrs. Kaufman, but she declines on the basis that between the approaching Easter Sunday and the normal work that is expected of her, she just can’t find the time. They insist, and after a long debacle, Mrs. Kaufman is convinced to accompany them. Satisfied, Mr. Vetsburg departs. Mrs. Kaufman eases into the conversation with Ruby about romantic interests, specifically about any prospects with Mr. Vetsburg; though he is nearly twenty years Ruby’s senior, Mrs. Kaufman doesn’t see a problem with it, especially when his wealth is factored in. To her surprise, Mrs. Kaufman learns that Ruby is not romantically interested in Vetsburg, but in one of his younger family members who hasn’t made anything of himself yet. At that, her mother begins panicking, knowing that Ruby is her only chance at rest: her entire life, she’s been hoping that her daughter would be the one to finally save her from the brownstone and care for her. Hearing now that her potential suitor is poor and young, Mrs. Kaufman is disillusioned about her retirement. Guilty that she’s upset her mother, Ruby takes back what she’s said, insisting that she could feign interest in Mr. Vetsburg and take care of her mother. That night, her mother wakes to find Ruby crying in the bed they share. Knowing that she’s acted selfishly, Mrs. Kaufman apologizes and assures Ruby that she should be with the man she loves, not the one who can take care of her mother. The next morning, Mrs. Kaufman learns that this Atlantic City trip is a bit different than the past trips because Ruby intends to marry her lover this time around. At that, Mrs. Kaufman slams the door in her resident’s face who has been hounding her for ice water and makes her way for Atlantic City.