Today, Old Mrs. Farrow’s grandson Ken gets home from a two-year stint in prison for forgery. Tension fills the living room as she, her son, her grandson, and her granddaughter Ada silently anticipate the doorbell. Ada pretends to read, Mrs. Farrow sews, and Mr. Farrow quietly seethes about his son’s crimes. Old Mrs. Farrow remarks on the absence of Ruben, her other grandson. He’s a successful banker, and he claims to have a meeting. Old Mrs. Farrow scoffs—Ruben isn’t busy, he’s just too ashamed of his brother to greet him. Soon, two of Ken’s friends stop by. They leave when they find out that he isn’t home. As the clock creeps toward nine, Mr. Farrow verbalizes his impatience. Later, Ken’s childhood pastor shows up. He assures the family that Ken isn’t a lost cause. Mr. Farrow explains that Ken’s homecoming is a grave family affair; the pastor takes the hint and cordially departs. Finally, Ken ambles in, a merry, bright-eyed whirlwind in a new suit. His friends picked him up from prison, and they’re all going out for drinks. After quick hellos, he’s out the door just as soon as he came in. Stunned, the four Farrows fume over Ken’s blasé attitude. Then, Mr. Farrow raises the question: If the criminal himself isn’t broken up, why should they be? He breaks out a bottle of wine, and they turn the radio on. They dance, smoke, and laugh. Suddenly, the doorbell rings again. The air chills. Ruben is home. He’s clearly nervous, but he asks to see Ken anyway. Mrs. Farrow pipes up—Ken’s asleep upstairs, and Ruben probably won’t see him until tomorrow. The others quickly furnish her lie. He entered heartbroken, they discussed his wrongdoing, and he solemnly went to bed. Ruben buys it. The four relatives share a smile, happy to have protected Ken from judgment.