Its morning in the Gildersleeve home, and Leroy is bursting with energy, but he doesn't want to play outside where he can burn it all off. After he coaxes a favor from his uncle over the morning paper, Marjorie gives it a try. Can't a man read the news in peace? It looks like Gildy will need to head to the office for that.
Leila Ransom tags along for the ride downtown, and invites Gildy to an afternoon tea party, After dropping her off, Gildy is annoyed to find that Judge Hooker has taken his parking space. Might there be a chance for a fishing trip for some man talk? What's all the buzz about the Springfield water commissioner getting himself Into trouble?
In the office, Bessie is missing, but Gildy gets busy reviewing all the delinquent notices he has to sign before mailing. It inspires him to call Charlie to turn off the water for those who are more than 3 months past due. How will the public take his decision? Who might it affect? In Peavy's drugstore, Gildy seeks advice after the fact. Has he acted too harshly?
Back at Leila's house, Gildy and the judge compete for her affections. It doesn't help when he learns that Leila was one of the delinquent accounts. But what about his promise this morning to pay her bill for her? The tea party moves next door, but there's one little problem. Gildy's water has been turned off as well.