In a remote hotel she receives her candidates: an old man looking for a rent-a- great-grandchild to indulge him on his deathbed, a couple who want to prepare themselves for the arrival of an adoptive baby, and Mr and Mrs Horrel ten Voetenuit (‘Clubforth-Footwick’), who are looking for a strong girl of fifteen to polish their silverware.

For a moment it seems as though Pipet will succeed till disagreement breaks out amongst the renting parents. The dramatic ending takes another turn when Joris and Rebus, the two hotel owners decide to give Pipet the security she needs so much. They rebuild their hotel into an impregnable fortress and learn how to survive together. An unusual story full of witty situations that invite the reader to look at the well-known and the obvious with new eyes.