The story begins with two men, Corley and Lenehan, taking a stroll through Dublin after finishing work. During their conversation, Corley talks about his experiences with women, while Lenehan mainly listens without sharing his own tales. Corley is currently romantically involved with a female servant (referred to as a "slavey"), whom he uses for sex, but has no desire to wed. Corely says that the maid can get them money from her employer's home. 

As they walk past a club, they hear a harp player performing an Irish folk song on the street for a group of people. Shortly afterwards, the servant girl arrives. Lenehan carefully observes her and is impressed with Corely's ability to attract a woman who will steal for him.

Once Corley and the girl depart for their date, Lenehan wanders around the city with no particular destination, has a meal of peas and ginger beer at an inexpensive restaurant, and remains preoccupied with Corley's bold and daring behavior with the girl. He ruminates on his own life of poverty and lack of opportunity while waiting for Corely and the girl to meet him at the end of their date. He worries the girl will not be able to steal the money and that the plan won't work.

At the agreed meeting time, Lenehan finally catches sight of Corley walking the girl home. She enters the house of her employer, and comes out briefly, Lenehan's curiosity is piqued, and he calls out to Corley who is now alone. Corley initially ignores Lenehan at first, but eventually shows him a gold coin given to him by the girl; the plan was a success.