As so often happens, however, I was wrong. This is the whole innocent conversation:—
"Is that 1260?"
"Yes."
"Is Mr. Anderson there?"
"Speaking. Who is it?"
"Harding, the veterinary surgeon."
"Oh, I'm so glad! I was getting horribly nervous. How is he?"
"He's worse."
"Good Heavens! I was afraid he might be. What do you think?"
"I think we had better put an end to him."