Smith & Smith, publishers, in a letter, notify Professor Bernard that they will accept his latest story if he will alter the enclosed paragraph: "Marry me and I will do away with my wife as I did her father." The absent-minded professor leaves this paragraph on his study table while he goes to the store to secure some cloth for his wife. The Professor, however, is very absent-minded, and forgets his mission when he meets a group of firemen who induce him to play a game of checkers. In the meantime, Ellen, the cook, is having her troubles with the butcher boy, who brings liver instead of chops, as ordered.
as Professor Bernard
as Mrs. Bernard - the Professor's Wife
as Ellen - the Cook
as Sam - the Butcher Boy
as Bates - the Friend's Chauffeur
as Jackson - the Friend's Servant
as Sam - a Fireman
as The Sergeant of Police