Clarence's bourgeois household has lost its harmony and balance as his wife, Phoebe, sets common sense aside to pursue her newfound interest in philosophy. She has recruited her eldest daughter, Anne, and her sister-in-law, Elizabeth, to join her in making their home an academy and salon. Theodore, the pedantic and self-centered poet, has gained Phoebe's admiration and has been a frequent guest of honor. Phoebe dismisses Martine, the kitchen-maid, for using improper grammar. Henriette, younger daughter of Clarence and Phoebe, declines to adopt her mother's lofty ideology and, instead, expresses to Anne her desire to wed Charles, her sister's former suitor.

Charles sets out to gain Phoebe's approval to wed Henriette when he is intercepted by Elizabeth who perplexes him by imagining herself the object of his love. Alexander, Clarence's brother, takes up Charles' cause, urging Clarence to assume his role as head of the household and grant the earnest and worthy suitor his daughter's hand in marriage rather than yield to his willful wife who intends to match Henriette with Theodore.

Despite a warning that Theodore has a less-than-honorable motive for agreeing to wed Henriette, Phoebe quickly arranges to move forward with her plans. When the Notary arrives, Clarence and Phoebe debate who should be named the bridegroom. Alexander enters in a flourish bearing news which brings about a swift resolution.