When a house collapses in his Sandhill Street neighborhood, Dignity has to decide whether to offend his parents, Neglect and Folly, by telling them what really happens to the homeless of the City. But in dealing with Neglect, Folly, and some other disagreeable relatives, Dignity and Reason don't seem to comprehend how much they need the help of their young friend Gentleness. Meanwhile, Gentleness' high school classmate Wittily Dread is in fear that her family will be ruined financially. If the Dreads are to stay on the good side of Mr. and Mrs. Mammon, she knows she must stay away from Gentleness and all those Heavenites down the street in Grace House.