And with good results, for the cabman at once became meek and even cringing.
“There’s a telephone across the street, Miss,” he said.
“Very well,” said Patty; “come with me.”
“There’s a telephone here, Miss,” said the Italian woman, “if you would like to use it.”
“That’s better yet,” said Patty; “where’s the book?”
Taking the telephone book, Patty quickly turned the leaves until she found Mr. Hepworth’s studio number.
She had an aversion to speaking her own name before her present hearers, so when Mr. Hepworth responded she merely said, “Do you know who I am?”
Of course the others listening could not hear when Mr. Hepworth responded that he did know her voice, and then called her by name.
“Very well,” said Patty, still speaking with dignity, “I have had the misfortune to lose my purse, and I am unable to pay my cab fare. Will you be kind enough to answer the cabman over this telephone right now, and inform him that it will be paid if he will drive me to your address, which you will give him?”
“Certainly,” replied Mr. Hepworth politely, though he was really very much amazed at this message.