 McPherson also questions Laura's parasitic playboy fiancé, Shelby Carpenter, a "kept man" and companion to her wealthy socialite aunt, Ann Treadwell.Treadwell is tolerant of her niece's infatuation with Carpenter, apparently out of her practical acceptance of Carpenter's need for the affection of a woman closer to his own age.All the while, Treadwell is carrying on with Carpenter and giving him money.