Tornbüll Castle seems to be the center of a feverish tourist activity, which greatly displeases its owner, the young Count Stephan. Among the visitors is a gangster-like man who has the Count worried about his magnificent collection of paintings. Another character, as picturesque as he is disturbing: Lupin, disguised as the crippled English novelist Lord Lewcastle. Lord Lewcastle-Lupin urges Count Stephan to make copies of his paintings and lock the originals in his safe. He even recommends a young French artist for the job.