Mr. Abinadab Sleek and Lady Creamly are two hypocrites, introduced as
ordinary specimens of Christians. They are living in the house of their
daughter and son-in-law (Mr. and Mrs. Charles Torrens), over whom they
exercise a stern and despotic control. Mr. Charles Torrens, "for the
sake of peace and quietness," agrees to all the solemnities opposed upon
him; and is willing to pass himself off in Christian circles as a
co-worker with Mr. Abinadab Sleek. In his heart he detests everything
like seriousness; and whenever an opportunity occurs, on the pretext of
going into the country, indulges in the gaieties and vices of London
fashionable life. He is visited by an old friend, Captain Murphy
Maguire, who persuades him to renounce boldly the sanctimonious customs
of the "Serious Family," and enjoy with unshackled freedom the pleasures
of the world. To this he consents; but he has not courage to alter the
family customs. Captain Maguire aids his plans by convincing Mrs. C.
Torrens that unless she provides in her home those amusements which are
found in the world, her husband will prefer the world to his home. A
conspiracy is laid to oppose the religious tyranny of Mr. Abinadab
Sleek, the result of which is, that a ball is given by Mr. Torrens,
assisted by his wife, who, throwing off her former profession of
Christianity, becomes a woman of the world. On all this their future
happiness as man and wife is made to hinge; and when, through the flimsy
plot of the piece, the tableau arrives, the curtain drops, leaving the
younger members of the "Serious Family" whirling in the giddy dance,
commencing the new era of domestic happiness.

Throughout the play, Scripture is quoted and ridiculed, religion is made
contemptible, and vice under the name of "geniality, openheartedness,
and merriment," is made to appear the one thing necessary to constitute
real happiness.