Frau Graustein's aunt is seriously ill and so she is forced to care for the old lady! Mr. Edel, the chairman of the board of directors of the Graustein Academy and Esther's father, assures her that he will clarify the question of substitution! Of course Mrs Harschmann does not want to know anything about it, but she complies. Her worst fears, however, come true when an old acquaintance takes over the representation: Frau Grumschkopf. She has just given up her old job as school inspector and is now throwing herself into her new role with a little too much verve!