After Fitz poisoned Magnesia's lover, Adolphus Bastable, Fitz has a change of heart. Here he tries to help his wife force-feed Adolphus the antidote: lime, in the form of the plaster ceiling.

A doctor is called, and then a Policeman stops by. The Policeman tries to raise the prostrate Adolphus, but it's no use; he's already "gawn 'as 'ard as niles."

At the end, Fitz and Magnesia honor the statue of Adolphus, and pray for him, as he apotheosizes before the curtain falls.