Sheltered in the beauty of France, three German sisters marvel at their change of environment. Their father, Professor Albatross, dearly loved by each, was once a spirited teacher. Now, he is worn down by life and reduced to a pension. He uses part of his pay to send his daughters to a boarding house, where they indulge in treats and long conversations. Here, they pretend to be rich ladies, instead of the truth; sisters who rely on their father's small income. One day, they spot a handsome, young Englishman eating lunch alone. They watch him from their window, and blush at his gentle beauty and his English mannerisms. The eldest sister, the two younger ones decide, should be the one to talk to him. The eldest imagines bringing this young man around their father, and hopes to invigorate him. First, however, she has to devise a background story. She imagines her lack of materials as an abundance of wealth, alters other details about their financial struggle for one of excess, and even changes her father's professions from professor to baron. Then, once they are in love, she can reveal to the Englishman the truth. She goes to look at him again from the windowsill, only to find that he has noticed her. They hold eye contact as he speaks to her, and she is caught like a leaf in a stream. The Englishman asks about their names, and realizes who they are. He asks to confirm if they are the daughters of Professor Albatross of Munich. Horrified by his knowledge, she cannot relay bear to tell him her lie. The Englishman tells her that he took a class with her father, and cordially smiles up at her. He leaves his chair and goes into the boardinghouse. With his pleasant reception, all three sisters turn towards one another, thrilled and excited.