Shelmerdene said, icily, from her chair:

“I hope, Foster, that you are having an entertaining conversation. May I ask how it concerns me?”

“Gentleman wants to speak to you, madam. Gives no name.”

“Any remarks?”

“He has a very pleasant voice, madam.”

Shelmerdene went to the telephone. She sat on the edge of the bed.

“Hallo, hallo!” said the voice.

“Just a moment,” said Shelmerdene. Her dressing-gown had slipped off her knee and her knee was cold, so she re-arranged the dressing-gown over her knee.

Shelmerdene: Now!

The Voice: At last, Shelmerdene! How are you, dear?