Dora Parse, a Romani of aristocratic blood, is traveling on her wardo, or Romani traditional wagon, to a farm owned by a man named Jan Jacobus, who hosts the nomadic tribe that Dora is a part of. Dora is reluctant to see Jan, although she does not explain why, but she is glad to be able to meet with the rest of the tribe. She reflects on the state of her tribe, noting her own position as a princess within it, and comments that the tribe is quite wealthy, which many in the surrounding communities would not expect from nomads. Once she arrives at the farm, she is greeted affectionately by her husband George, and is in high spirits to be among the tribe. The community has convened to have a "gillie shoon," which involves a feast followed by shared songs, both performed by individuals and the group as a whole. At some point, the festivities suddenly cease, to Dora's surprise. George rises to speak to the tribe at large, pulling Dora with him, which confuses her at first, until she realizes he intends to go through a particular Romani ritual centered on accusing her of being unfaithful to him. He reveals that he knew she had cheated on him with Jan, which seems to be confirmed by the latter's behavior. George speaks to an elder in front of everyone, and it is decided that Dora must be punished for her actions. George forgives Dora, but not before enacting her punishment, the titular "lubbeny kiss," as he kisses her in order to bite off the tip of her tongue. Shocked, Jan appeals to the head of the tribe, John Lane, who passes the matter off, despite the irrevocable nature of the punishment.