Duncan’s rubber plant isn’t flourishing in the Rush household, and Dudley’s slobish habits aren’t helping matters one bit. A new housekeeper is due to start, but Duncan insists on tidying the place up before she arrives. Meanwhile, Susan takes a break from her search for work and calls in at Barlow Books for a chat with Jacqui, explaining that what she really wants is a job where she can travel and meet interesting people; Jacqui suggests a bus conductress! Back at the house, the housekeeper – a Mrs. Francisco – arrives, just as Duncan accidentally smashes a pile of plates. Dudley plays a trick on her and Duncan as an ‘entrance exam’, and Mrs. Francisco takes her leave. Dudley arrives at Barlow Books and a mysterious gentleman named Mr. Veluva enters the shop; proclaiming himself to be a Wizard of the Third Order, he offers Dudley – whom he takes to be the new owner – books on wizardry and magic.