Katrin grows lonely with spouse Philip overseas. When Lt. Ellis appears claiming to know her husband Katrin agrees to dinner with the officer. She turns to Mama for guidance when overwhelmed with guilt.
T.R. is required to wear glasses but the young boy avoids putting them on. Papa tries to explain to him that it's better for him but then Papa finds out that he is needs spectacles also. The two have a discussion regarding the pros and cons of eyewear.
Papa feels that there is not much status in his job as a carpenter. Papa gets an opportunity to become a lace salesman but learns quickly he may not be cut out for a different line of work.
A meeting with T.R.'s teacher leads to a suggestion that the boy needs a firmer hand when it comes to discipline. But Papa disagrees and decides to spend more time with the lad.
An aging actor, Mr. Carlysle, rooms with Aunt Jenny. He begins taking his meals with the Hansens, intimating that he's between engagements. Mama suspects the real story.