When the Pentecost home is completely cut off by floods, Gaylord is excited by the endless possibilities for fun and drama. Poppa and Grandpa are simply annoyed at the inconvenience, while Momma becomes resourceful and practical. Into this confusion come three uninvited guests, shattering the Pentecost's cosy isolation. The widowed Helena Darling arrives in a mink with her Pekinese, Feydeau, only to stir the passions of Grandpa; while her nephew, Rufus, finds love with the vibrant Hilda Twegg. And looking on with amazed disbelief at the behaviour of the grown-ups is the endearing Gaylord and Fortinbras, his white mouse? This continues the story of the Pentecost family told so far in Morning's at Seven and The Long Long Dances.