...Maris!" But that was weeks ago! Frasier and Niles wait for a few seconds, letting her stew, then Niles takes the phone. Frasier: All right, what's going on? Frasier: Maris is missing! Get out! He exits. His jacket is off, his shirtsleeves rolled up, he has an open Ballantine in one hand and the rest of the six-pack in the other. Maris, we need to talk! Niles comes in the door with a shopping bag. Niles: She wants a divorce. Niles: So I told her, "Maris, you were inconsiderate, and when you are ready to apologize, I can be reached at Frasier's!" Now if you want those to change, you have got to stand up to her. Ooh, is that coffee? She's been kidnapped. She's been missing for three days and you're just panic-stricken now? That's rather the point, wouldn't you agree? This feels wonderful! This is for Maris! Yes, Niles is here. [to Niles] Mike ran a check on Maris's credit cards, there's been a whole bunch of charges in New York.
Plan: A: trace; Q: What has Maris been missing without for three days? A: Niles; Q: Who is convinced that Maris has been kidnapped? A: Maris' recent credit card transactions; Q: What is checked to determine that Maris is not missing? A: a shopping expedition; Q: What is Maris doing in New York City? A: Frasier; Q: Who is annoyed by Maris' lack of concern? A: concern; Q: What does Frasier think Maris lacks in going on a shopping spree without a word? A: his wife; Q: Who does Niles confront about Maris' selfishness? A: a divorce; Q: What does Maris demand? A: Eventually Maris; Q: Who agrees to take Niles back on the condition that he apologize to her? Summary: Maris has been missing without trace for three days. Frantic, Niles is convinced that she has been kidnapped, but Maris' recent credit card transactions are checked, indicating that she is merely indulging in a shopping expedition in New York City, and Niles is relieved. Frasier, on the other hand, is annoyed by Maris' lack of concern in going on a shopping spree without a word. He persuades Niles to stand up to his wife for a change and confront her about her selfishness, which he does. However, rather than apologising, Maris demands a divorce and throws Niles out. Frasier feels responsible, and gives Niles sanctuary at his place, but is unable to talk Maris round. Eventually Maris agrees to take Niles back on the condition that he apologize to her; he cannot decide whether to do so.