I called the number, and somebody, answering, asked whom I wished to speak to, and I said Mr. Roger Avery Hamilton.
"Who is it wants him?" I was asked.
"Just a friend," I replied.
"You will have to give your name. Mr. Hamilton is in a conference, and if it is not important, he cannot speak to you just now."
"It is important," I said. "He would want to speak to me, I know."
There was a long pause, and central asked me if I was through, and I said frantically:
"No, no; don't ring off."
Then a moment later I heard his voice, and even over the telephone it thrilled me so that I could have wept with relief and joy.
"Yes?"
"Mr. Hamilton, this is Miss Ascough."