“Old Mr. Vintner has just been 'phoning for you in a most imperious way,” announced Mary as the doctor came in at the door.
“Yes, old skinflint! The maid at his house is very sick and he's so afraid they'll have to take care of her that he's determined to send her home when she can't go. She has pneumonia. She lives miles out in the country—”
Ting-a-ling-ling-ling-ling.
“Yes.”
“Now see here, Vintner. Listen to me.”
“Yes, I know. But a man's got to be human. I tell you you can't send her out in this cold. It's outrageous to—”
“Yes, I know all that, too. But it won't be long—the crisis will come in a day or two now and—”
“Damn it! Listen. Now stop that and listen. Don't you attempt it! That girl will be to drag off if you do, I tell you—”
“All right then. That sounds more like it,” and he hung up the receiver.