The poor relations, those genteel paupers of society who live on little more than their dignity, have banded together and started the Poor Relation Hotel, hoping to be bought out by their embarrassed relatives—but as the hotel prospered, they began to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Now once more they are in need of funds. To stoop to crime in their days of poverty was one thing, but to turn to it again when they have enjoyed a certain measure of success is quite another. But they all agree: the hotel must go on.

And so poor, faded Miss Tonks has been persuaded to steal something valuable enough from her rich sister to set the poor relations on their feet. They all have their doubts about Miss Tonks' chances for success, but the shy spinster has more than a few surprises in store. Flirtations and feelings abound amid the conspiring group.