“In an hour and a half, I should think.”
Mary heard the 'phoner say in an aside, “He won't be back for an hour and a half. Do you want to wait that long?”
Another voice replied, “Yes, I'll wait. Tell 'em to tell him to come just as quick as he gets back, though.”
This message was transmitted.
“And where is he to go?”
“To Henry Smith's, down by the Big Four depot.”
A few minutes later Mary had another idea. She went to the 'phone and asked central to give her Drayton, Mr. Walton's house.
In a minute a voice said, “What is it?” It was restful to Mary to have the usual opening varied. Perhaps eight out of ten began with,
“Hello!” The other two began, “Yes,” “Well,” “What is it?” and very rarely, “Good morning,” or “Good evening.”
“Is this the home of Mr. Walton at Drayton?”