The Chamberlaynes host a cocktail party in their London apartment, yet the mood is awkward due to the absence of Lavinia, the hostess. Her husband, Edward, awkwardly fabricates an excuse about a sick aunt to explain her absence. Meanwhile, Alex captivates the guests with exotic tales from his travels, though Julia, a sharp wit among their circle, often misses the point of his stories.

Unfinished Tales and Unseen Guests

The guests urge Julia to perform her renowned imitation of Lady Klootz and the wedding cake, a story familiar to all except Edward, who forgets tales, and a mysterious, unnamed guest. Instead, Julia veers into an anecdote about a peculiar family with a son who can hear bats, leaving the original story untold. Peter then shares his experience of writing an unproduced scenario, a testimony to unmet potential at the gathering.

Confessions Under the Influence

As the party winds down, only a stranger remains behind with Edward. In their gin-laden conversation, Edward reveals that Lavinia left without a word, not to her aunt’s as he claimed. The stranger suggests her departure may be beneficial given her demanding nature, though Edward is unsure why he longs for her return. This mysterious man offers a cryptic promise: Lavinia will return within a day if Edward refrains from questioning her. As he leaves, the stranger sings a tune, leaving Edward to his thoughts.

Love and Interruptions

Julia returns for her glasses, accompanied by Peter, though the eyewear is in her bag all along. Left alone with Edward, Peter confides his feelings for Celia, with whom he felt a connection at concerts. However, her recent coldness puzzles him, and he asks Edward for assistance in winning her back. Their conversation is cut short by the reappearance of Alex, intent on making a meal out of the remaining eggs, much to Edward's annoyance.

Unexpected Proposals

Once alone, Edward attempts to enjoy some solitude, but Celia arrives, having deduced Lavinia's departure. She proposes that Edward seek a divorce so they can marry. Although Edward agrees in principle, Celia senses a change in him despite his assurances of love. This leads Edward to admit Lavinia's impending return, leaving Celia uneasy about her faint-hearted partner. When Julia returns with a dinner invitation, Celia retreats to the kitchen, inadvertently spoiling Alex's culinary creation.

Revelations and Warnings

The following day, the stranger reappears, cautioning Edward about the potential changes Lavinia's return will bring. Her reentry into his life will transform them both into strangers. Edward must face the consequences of his choice, bound to receive any visitors as suggested by the stranger, who exits through the back door.

An Assembly of Intrigues

Celia is the first visitor, summoned by a telegram from Lavinia. She now sees Edward as a simple, comic figure, reflecting on her former infatuation with amusement. Peter arrives next, called by Alex, who also claims to have received a message. Before leaving for Hollywood, Alex exchanges words with Celia, leaving her with a poignant farewell.

Lavinia’s Return

Finally, Lavinia arrives, bewildered by the presence of guests and unaware of the telegrams. As Julia joins them, the enigma deepens. Once the guests leave, Lavinia and Edward confront each other, swapping reproaches. She accuses him of indecision, while he balks at the suggestion of a nervous breakdown but is intrigued by the idea. He resolves to shun any doctor Lavinia recommends.

The Truth Unfolds

In Sir Henry’s office, Edward is surprised to find the stranger is actually Sir Henry. During their session, Edward admits he needs Lavinia's dominance to navigate life. Lavinia is brought in, and it emerges her departure...