Bill resorts to drastic measures to bring about an evening of culture and sparkling conversation.

A strange ethereal force causes the arrival of a sinister letter at the Porter household.

Confined to bed with flu, Bill has difficulty finding out what is going on downstairs - which is just as well!

Jenny is forced to confide in her father for once. Meanwhile, Bill and Rona encounter some unexpected visitors in Rona's home - snakes!

Bill, Ben and Rona take stock of their lives.

Ben wants to go to France for the Christmas holiday, but after the previous year's mishaps, Bill is determined to stay at home, where nothing disastrous can happen.