In a tangled web of power dynamics and fantasies, two women engage in a dramatic exchange within the confines of a bedroom, where roles blur and identities shift. One woman, immersed in her own world, plays with her rubber gloves, an action that incites frustration and ire in the other, who loudly protests, "Those gloves! Those eternal gloves!" The tension escalates as she accuses the maid of inappropriate behavior, particularly with the milkman, commanding her to rid the room of the gloves by leaving them in the kitchen.

The Mistress and the Maid

The younger woman, known as Madame, sits poised at the dressing table, instructing Claire, the maid, to prepare her attire and accessories. Madame continues to mockingly mention the milkman, testing Claire's patience. Claire polishes Madame's shoes with disdain, prompting Madame's observation that Claire harbors animosity, suffocating her with unwanted affection and tokens like flowers.

The Shift in Tone

Momentarily dropping her melodramatic demeanor, Madame speaks candidly with Claire about shared disdain from the milkman. Her facade quickly returns as she demands her white dress. Claire resists, citing reasons that touch on Madame's lover, Monsieur, and the notion of widowhood, highlighting Madame's betrayal through a letter to the authorities that led to Monsieur's incarceration. Madame vows her loyalty to him, insisting on wearing white to symbolize mourning, akin to a queen's sorrow.

Servants and Mistresses

As Claire aids Madame in her dressing, Madame laments the dual burden of being both mistress and servant, embodying the resentment of the servant class while maintaining her allure. Inspired by this raw confession, Claire erupts with declarations of hatred towards Madame, accusing her of coveting the milkman. The intensity builds until Claire strikes Madame, claiming equality, and alludes to an uprising fueled by the kitchen's deep-seated anger.

The Disguise Unveiled

An alarm clock disrupts their confrontation, drawing them together. The woman in the guise of Madame begins to disrobe, revealing the masquerade. The real Claire dons her maid's uniform, both women tidying the room in anticipation of the authentic Madame's arrival. The evening holds particular significance, as Claire authored the incriminating letter that led to Monsieur's detention.

Sisterly Rivalry

Solange, Claire's elder sister, mocks Claire's nocturnal escapades, where she masquerades as a queen. Claire counters, accusing Solange of fearing the consequences of imprisoning Monsieur. Solange cynically declares that love eludes them, with Claire contesting that Madame feels affection for them. Solange retorts that Madame's affection is as dismissive as for her bidet, asserting that maids, steeped in filth, are incapable of love, likening her spit to jewels.

Facades and Fantasy

Claire wishes to defend Madame's benevolence, while Solange argues that beauty and wealth simplify kindness. She chastises Claire for masquerading in Madame's wardrobe. Claire deflects, noting Solange's own fantasies of accompanying her lover to exile, and accuses Solange of attempting to kill Madame. Solange admits to the scheme, claiming it was to liberate Claire from Madame's superficial kindness, even though it risks betrayal.

The Unfolding Plan

The telephone rings with news of Monsieur's release on bail, inciting blame and accusations between the sisters. Claire asserts strength over Solange, promising to succeed where Solange faltered in their lethal intentions towards Madame. Historical parallels are drawn as Claire, emboldened, likens their plot to notorious acts of divine and righteous violence, believing salvation lies with the milkman.

The Poisonous Tea

As Madame begins preparations for mourning, Claire presents her with drug-laden tea. Madame bestows gifts upon the sisters: a red dress for Claire and a fur stole for Solange. When the phone's state is questioned, the sisters reveal Monsieur's bail status, prompting Madame to order...