Louis Scatcherd arrives for dinner with the Greshams but he is tactless and drunk, reminding them of his newly acquired fortune and Dr Thorne has to get rid of him. Later the doctor learns that Scatcherd demands rent from the family or he will evict them. Only marriage to Mary will prevent him and, whilst Lady Arabella and her sister encourage it, Dr Thorne and Frank try to appeal to his - non-existent - better nature. Fortunately fate intervenes to ensure that all parties get what they deserve.