It is noted that this strip is difficult, mostly because the scene itself is difficult, as it relies heavily on premise and long conversations, neither of which is available here. The point of this frame is essentially to set up the rest of the plot. Summarized briefly: Mrs. Johnstone has a bunch of offspring, and the news that she is having twins on top of her seven kids is bad; she will not be able to feed them. Mrs. Lyons, an upper-class childless woman, offers to take one of the two twins and raise them as her own. Mrs. Johnstone, Lyons' maid, has no (financial) choice but to accept the Faustian bargain. Of course, the humorous version is better, though it makes for less drama.