Foster went to the telephone on the little table by the bed.
“Hallo! Hallo! Is that Mayfair 2794?”
“Yes,” said Foster. “Who is that speaking, please?”
“Is that Mrs.——?” asked the voice.
“Who is that speaking, please?”
“I say,” said the voice, “just tell Mrs.—— that I would like to speak to her, would you?”
“I’m afraid, sir, that madam will not speak to you unless you give your name.”
“What’s your name?” asked the voice.
“Foster, sir.”
“Well, look here, Foster, don’t be an ass all your life, be a dear instead and just ask your mistress to come to the telephone. It’s most important, tell her——”