Mrs. Mooney, separated from her husband, a butcher who descended into alcoholism, runs a boarding house for working men. Her daughter Polly entertains the boarders by singing and flirts with them. When Mrs. Mooney learns that her daughter is having an affair with one of the men, she starts to wonder how she may manipulate the situation. An interesting story, especially as the narrative viewpoint shifts to represent the thoughts of both Mrs. Mooney and the man in question – both contrasting and enlightening for a listener.