Sculptor Max Kolbe has rented a room with the Käselau family as a "furnished gentleman" to escape his love-struck bride and to work in peace for an exhibition. But he is not safe from anything in this tenement: the women's lives seem to be dominated by gossip, curiosity and envy. But the men are no better! Kolbe's false name and his actions arouse the strongest suspicions in the house: why doesn't he go to work? Is he doing shady business? What are the young ladies looking for with him?