"Thanks," said Buddy, briefly.
"She sent her love, and said you were a day too late."
"We'll see about that. Is this Chambers fellow around?"
"No, he is in Boston, but he comes down to see her all the time."
"We'll see about that, too. What's her telephone number?"
"Thirty-two, ring eleven. You have to ring in, you know—that handle on the box, and ask Central."
"Oh, I know," said Buddy, "telephone is nice and convenient, isn't it? Anybody on the farm can hear from this location," he picked up the instrument from the desk in the corner.
"Shall I go?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, dear."
"I want to speak to Miss Ruth Farraday—Mr. Swift." He put his hand over the mouthpiece, the fingers trembled slightly, but his voice was cool, "I guess that was your friend Peggy. Sounded like a flapper's voice. She's gone to call her. Oh, hello, Ruth," he said into the instrument, "this is John. Yes, I managed to squirm out. Fine, thank you. A little under weight, that's all. I want to see you. Now, this morning, may I come over there? I wouldn't take up much time. Yes it is important. Oh, all right, that will be better yet. I am perfectly able to make it, but I'd rather have you here if you'll come. All right. In about half an hour. All right. Good-bye."