“Ringing thr-r-ree-four-o-thr-r-ee, Madison Square.”
“That’s nice of you,” Billy responded heartily. “I thought you’d say that.”
“Madison Square thr-r-ree-four-o-t-h-r-r-ree doesn’t answer. Hang up your receiver and I’ll call you if I get the party.”
“Of course I will. You’re always so tactful in the way you put things, always so generous and kind and thoughtful. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”
“What did Nancy say?” Caroline asked, as they turned away from the booth.
“You heard my end of the conversation,” Billy said blandly. “You can deduce hers from it.”
“There was something about your end of the conversation that sounded queer to me somehow. It was odd that Central should have returned your nickel to you after you had talked so long.”
“Yes, wasn’t it?” Billy asked innocently. “Well, I suppose mistakes will happen in the best regulated telephone companies.”
“I like you,” Billy said contentedly, as the lights of the avenue strung themselves out before them. “I like walking down this royal thoroughfare with you. You’re a kind of a neutral girl, but I like you.”