Richie's father leaves for a fishing trip, telling Richie that while he is gone, Richie will be the "man of the house". Mrs. Rich then goes to a luncheon with Mrs. Van Friggle, leaving Richie at home with Mrs. Friggle's daughter Cynthia. At Cynthia's suggestion, they decide to play house, and as the pretend "lady of the house", Cynthia proceeds to boss Richie around, asking him to move furniture and mind the "baby". Richie is pretty sick of it by the time their mothers return, but can later sympathize with his father, who is bossed around by Mrs. Rich upon returning from his fishing trip.; Richie's pals come to visit, but are told that he is being punished and must stay in his room. When they are allowed to visit him for 15 minutes, they find him in his room, surrounded by every toy and luxury a kid could desire.