1905. A couple of cheerful traveling salesmen, Hansen and Larsen, are on their last round of visits to customers before settling down in the big city to open their own business selling women's underwear. They hold a farewell dinner for one of their old customers in Lilleby. There is a ball at the hotel, and a couple of young ladies make the acquaintance of the two friends, which will have consequences in more ways than one.

It is always a big Copenhagen event when the guard parade pulls up, people crowd the sidewalk, and all the windows are occupied by curious onlookers, the spectators are delighted by the beautiful spectacle, but not fish exporter Hans Jacobsen, he is in the middle of a telephone conversation with Mrs. Petersen who owes him 500 kr. Jacobsen gives her 8 days to get the money. Poul Jacobsen's son does not understand that his father is so concerned about this, because tomorrow their vacation starts, as Poul says a wise old man has said "People have no idea how many things will sort themselves out, as long as you don't touch it, and take it easy, and don't lose your head" and he continues I have also agreed with Uncle Nicolai that we will come.

Rowly's is one of London's largest stores. Thousands of customers throng the store's stairs and elevators day after day. The gold stream flows incessantly through all the store's offices and rooms, finally ending up in the Rowlys' bank. But the Rowly family has become poor in members - there is only one left, twelve-year-old John. Despite his wealth, he has no control over his person. He has to obey Aunt Fanny.