Barbara Polk has lived with her aged, sadistic uncle, Simon Polk, for 25 years — even though she hates him — as she is his only heir. After berating Barbara in the basement, Simon raises his cane as if to strike her. Barbara catches his cane, and Simon falls down the stairs, breaking his back. Frustrated with his feebleness, nagging, and constant demands of hot chocolate, Barbara allows him to succumb to his injuries.