The story takes place at Lady Blemley's house party. One of the guests claims to have discovered a way to teach animals to talk. No one believes him when he announces that he has successfully instructed Tobermory, the Blemleys' cat. To everyone's surprise, Tobermory indeed turns out to speak perfect English. Astonishment quickly turns into panic, however, when everyone realizes that the cat has overheard their private conversations and witnessed their small indiscretions – and is perfectly happy to discuss them openly.