Before he goes, Alan gives Frasier an amused look that spells doom to his prospects for a board seat. Daphne and I are going out on a date! Daphne sits at the table. Daphne, whom Frasier has conscripted to serve hors d'oeuvres, is forced to stand right in front of them and play the mute serving girl. Daphne: But when his wife thinks the time is right, which is soon, he will. Ferguson: If I may take the liberty, sir, perhaps holding the party prior to the opera might be easier on the older guests. Frasier: That politicking Alan Murchie has just been elected president of the opera board! He goes over to Mel. Niles kneels in front of her. Niles: Well, that's a very generous offer, but, uh-
Mel: Oh, we'd love to. Niles: Yes, but never a butler! hand (with extended index finger) in the other.
Plan: A: Frasier; Q: Who hires Ferguson to live in the Crane household? A: a classically trained and refined Englishman; Q: What is Ferguson's background? A: butlers; Q: What profession does Ferguson come from? A: social class; Q: What does Ferguson believe is too strong a presence in clandestine relationships? A: failure; Q: What does Ferguson believe social class will do to Daphne and Niles' relationship? A: a pre-opera party; Q: What does Frasier hold to seal his place on the opera board? A: the opera board; Q: What is Frasier hoping to get a place on? A: a date; Q: What is Niles supposed to be going on with Daphne? A: the last minute; Q: When was Mel invited to the party? A: her; Q: Who does Daphne fear Niles will not risk his social standing for? A: the party guests; Q: Who does Niles tell that he does not love Mel? Summary: Frasier hires Ferguson, a classically trained and refined Englishman from a long line of butlers, to live in the Crane household. When hearing of Daphne and Niles' clandestine relationship, he expresses a belief that social class remains too strong a presence in such relationships, inevitably dooming them to failure. Frasier holds a pre-opera party, hoping to seal his place on the opera board. Niles arrives to go on a date with Daphne, but Mel has been invited to the party at the last minute. Daphne begins to fear that Niles will not risk his social standing for her, but he declares in front of the party guests that he does not love Mel.