A bus is just about leave when it is boarded by a mother named Marge and her three children. These passengers are regarded with alarm by the ones already seated - they are disheveled, barefoot, and the sheer number of children evokes shock and distaste. Mr. Purcell is going to see his son at his university to try and talk him out of a marriage that he entered too hastily. Miss Bama, suffering from bad health, has just retired from teaching. Mrs. Berryman and her daughter Laura are going home to tell Mr. Berryman about the ballet scholarship that Laura just received. Pete won money and this bus ticket in a card game, and Virginia sits behind the driver, Charlie, in the hopes of flirtation. As they begin their journey, Miss Bama realizes that Marge's children haven't eaten anything. She buys them food at the first rest stop. Charlie finds himself bothered by Virginia's eagerness, and later relocates her to sit beside Pete, who is equally alarmed by how quickly she attaches herself to him. Miss Bama suffers a small heart attack in silence, sinking in her seat. As night falls, the passengers think about their destinations and the people waiting for them. Virginia sleeps and dreams of a prince who will come for her, who is unlike these men in whom she pretends to be interested. Mrs. Berryman regrets her marriage, and is involved with a gentleman by the name of Mr. Burns. Laura finds herself thinking about telling her father, but she sleeps that night in her mother's lap and decides to keep the secret. Charlie is relieved by another driver, Toohey. Marge and the children discover that their ticket does not cover their passage to the end of the line, and Miss Bama and Pete step in to cover the extra cost. At last, the journey ends. Laura runs towards her father at the station. Mr. Purcell, having prepared a speech of condemnation against his son on the way over, is surprised to see him waiting at the station with his young wife. Pete tells Virginia he will always be a free man, and leaves her shocked and alone. Miss Bama is asleep - Toohey regrets having to wake her up, but her eyes open just as he leans over her.