Plot Summary:J. Aubrey Piper, a lowly railroad clerk with an irritating laugh and a gigantic ego, constantly brags about his knowledge and success. Despite the strenuous objections of her parents and sister Clara, Amy Fisher sees another side of Aubrey and accepts his proposal of marriage. Ma Fisher predicts financial ruin and unhappiness for Amy, but agrees to let them marry in the family home, and Frank Hyland, Clara's well-off husband, loans Aubrey money for their honeymoon. Eight months later, Amy and Aubrey must move from their small apartment because their building is being torn down. Amy still loves Aubrey but is so worried about money that she breaks down in front Ma. Meanwhile, the pompous Aubrey borrows Frank's car to go to an auto show, gets a parking ticket, then foolishly antagonizes a traffic cop and causes an accident in which the cop's arm is broken. Frank pays $1,000 to cover the costs, but Aubrey faces criminal prosecution for injuring a policeman. That night, the family learns ...