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Today, Gildersleeve finds himself in business with Adeline. They are about to open the hat shop that she will operate out of her house. Marjorie talks with him about the fashionable grand opening, and the plans for the future in the hat business. Might Gildersleeve be leaving the world of the water department behind for his new venture?
Leroy helps out, and his complaints drop off when he learns that he’ll be getting paid. Gildy’s conversation with Birdie rounds out more of the big plans for the future.
Next door, Gildy matches his business sense with Adelines creativity, but an expected client may not be supporting the shop. There’s a rift with Mrs Pettybone, but can Gildy patch things up with her? Will his peace offering of a new hat win her affections back?
The grand opening draws near, and Gildy marvels at the odd, and various hats, even to the point of trying one on, just in time to be caught in it by the Judge. Though Mrs Pettybone is all set to come to the grand opening, Gildy is still faced with settling down Adeline. Will there be another Civil War? The South is bracing for a fight, and seems ready to win this one. What’s the frustrated Gildersleeve to do? Take back his hat?
Gildersleeve frets, and worries, and stops in at Peavey’s for some advice and last minute preparations. Will it help? Well now, I wouldn’t say that. Maybe Floyd the Barber will be forthcoming with his observations. He paints a dramatic, and interesting prediction of the events, although not very encouraging for poor old Gildersleeve.
The big moment comes, but he can’t face up to it and makes a fast exit out the back door. Gildy is surprised, and relieved to hear that no fights broke out, but Adeline has her own way of getting revenge, as she explains to Gildersleeve at the end.
