“It doesn't do any good when people do not care to leave a message,” said Mary quietly.
“Well, I'd ruther deliver my message to him.”
“Certainly. And I would much rather you would. I can at least say about what time he expects to return.”
“You said awhile ago he'd be back in half an hour and he's not back yet.”
The doctor's wife knew that she was held responsible for the delay. She smiled and glanced at the clock.
“It is just three minutes past the half hour,” she said.
“Well, we're in an awful hurry for him. I'll ring agin d'reckly.”
In five minutes a ring came again. Surely he would be there now, thought his wife, but she must go to the 'phone. She listened. Silence. Then the bell pealed sharply forth again. She decided to change her tactics and put the other woman on the defensive:
“Well!” she said impatiently, “I'm very sorry to have to answer you again but—”
“Is the doctor there?” asked a sweet, new voice. “Pardon me for interrupting you, but I'm very anxious.”