“The market is right on your way. Hurry. Don't miss the train!” She put up the receiver, then she snatched it and rang again violently.
“Now what!” thundered John's voice.
“She said to get a good-sized one.” Standing with the receiver in her hand and shaking with laughter she heard the office-door shut with a bang and knew that he was off.
She knew that if he had been going in the buggy he would have been glad to do Mrs. S.'s bidding. He often carried ice and other needful things to homes where he visited. Mary pictured her husband picking his way along a muddy country road, his case in one hand and the “roast” in the other, and thought within herself, “He'll be in a better mood for a roast when he arrives than when he started.”
Mary was out in the kitchen making jelly. At the critical moment when the beaded bubbles were “winking at the brim” came the ring. She lifted the kettle to one side, wiped her hands and went.
“Is this you, Mary?”
“Watch the 'phone a little bit, please. I have to be out about half an hour.”
“I'm always watching the 'phone, John, always, always!”