A man and his sister, Irene, take up residence in an empty house, passing the time cleaning, knitting, and reading books. After a break in by, they are forced to section off part of the house, where the narrator left his books. For a time, they go back to their normal routine, until their smaller section of the house is compromised, forcing them onto the street. The narrator throws the house key into the sewer so no one can enter.