It is just a few moments before the ball, and the beau, by his strenuousness in dressing, has torn a huge rent in the seat of his only pair of trousers. Hastily seizing a needle and thread, he tries to sew them while on his person, and just manages to get a few stitches in; thus depending only on his own ingenuity, he decides to go to the function. He does well by summoning a cab. He reaches his destination all right, and is next seen in the reception room, where he uses a cushion to shield the faulty spot, bowing to right and left, but holding fast to the cushion. Going to the buffet with a lady, he keeps a chair close to the rent, and when an obliging waiter takes this from him he frantically grabs a platter and manages to cover up. But in the ballroom he dances with a handkerchief trailing gracefully behind him; finding this protection meager, however, he appropriates his partner's fan for the purpose. His downfall comes only when the lady asks him to tie her shoe lace. He is stunned by the request, but pulls himself together and makes a daring attempt to oblige one-handed; but this feat being impossible he gives up, and the guests discover the tear. The beau sits on the floor in despair, but too late, for all are already gathered round him, and 'mid much laughter and ridicule he succeeds in dashing out of the room without turning his back toward the company.