The Crosspatch

The Baron's quick temper dominates the mansion as Mary loves Hans van Maren and Willy loves Loes. Tensions rise as the baron openly disapproves of Willy's marriage and the household fracture becomes visible. Other residents live under this volatile cloud.

Mary confronts Van Maren when he won't defend himself in front of her father, highlighting the power struggle in their relationship. The scene underscores Mary's desire for steadfast honor and his hesitation. The argument strains their bond and foreshadows further conflicts.

The baron disowns Willy for marrying Loes, stripping him of support and status. Willy starts looking for work to prove he can stand on his own feet. The family rift widens as Loes becomes entangled in the mansion's intrigues.

Mary sneaks out of the palace to visit Willy on his wedding anniversary and meets Loes, who has left her typist job to become a housewife. Mary reconciles with Van Maren on the same day, and the couple announces their engagement. The event shifts loyalties and rearranges the social order within the mansion.

The baron discovers Willy now has an office job and responds with fury, firing him on the spot. This act of control demonstrates how quickly the baron seeks to punish perceived disobedience. Willy's resilience is tested as the family power dynamics tighten.

Loes travels to the palace to address her father-in-law but is mistaken for the new housekeeper due to her resemblance to the household staff. Uncle Moeki covers for her by introducing her as Louise Hildebrand. The mix-up begins a scheme to influence the baron's affections.

Loes agrees to participate in the ruse and gradually wins the baron's trust while the true identity remains hidden. The baron grows fond of his 'housekeeper' and the palace atmosphere softens. The deception bonds the household in unexpected ways.

Willy comes back to the mansion wondering about his wife's absence, and Moeki pretends that Willy has been abandoned by his wife. The baron shifts from anger to joy as he believes his son has a family who stands by him. The reconciliation mood spreads through the house.

The baron reconciles with Willy and announces plans to settle the divorce, while attempting to arrange a marriage for Mary with Mr. Schimmelman. The misinterpretation by Schimmelman leads to further confusion about who will do what. The family moves toward a new set of alliances and schemes.

The real housekeeper arrives, forcing Loes to reveal her true identity as Willy's wife. The baron is pleased to learn that his trusted housekeeper is indeed part of the family, though this revelation complicates his view of Mary. The household shifts as loyalties are reoriented.

Despite the delight over the housekeeper revelation, the baron remains less pleased about Mary's engagement to Van Maren. He expresses mixed feelings, torn between affection for the staff and traditional expectations. The engagement is secured, but not wholeheartedly approved.

The mansion ends with Loes confirmed as Willy's wife, and the family adjusting to new roles; Mary and Van Maren's engagement stands but carries a wary edge. The baron's temper tempers, and the house moves toward a fragile peace. The satire of hierarchy and love ties up in a hopeful, complicated compromise.