And the pair of them did talk, oblivious to everything about them. How the minutes did fly and the questions too! The 'phone rang in the next room—two rings. On Mary's accustomed ear it fell unheeded. She talked on. Again two rings. She did not notice.
“Isn't that your 'phone?” asked the visitor.
“O, yes! You knocked it clean out of my head, Alice. Excuse me a minute,” and she vanished.
“Did you give that message to the doctor?”
“He is not back yet.”
“I saw him go into the office not ten minutes ago.”
“I have 'phoned twice and failed to find him.”
“I hoped when I saw him leave the office that he had started down to see my little boy, but of course he hasn't if he didn't get the message.”
“I am sorry. An old friend I had not seen for years came in and of course it went out of my mind for a few minutes, though I 'phoned twice before she came. I am sure he will be back in a few minutes and I will send him right down, Mr. Nelson.”
“Why do you do that?” asked her friend, pointedly as she came in. “Why take upon yourself the responsibility of people's messages being delivered.”