The overwhelmed housewife grabbed the phone when it rang. The kindly voice asked, “How are you doing darling?”
“What kind of day are you having?”
“Oh, mother, “said the housewife, breaking into bitter tears, “I’ve had such a bad day. The baby won’t eat, the washer broke down. I haven’t had a chance to go shopping, and besides, I’ve sprained my ankle and I have to hobble around. On top of that, the house is a mess and I’m suppose to have two couples for dinner tonight.
The mother was shocked and was at once all sympathy. “Oh, darling,” she said. “sit down, relax, close your eyes. I’ll be over in a half hour. I’ll do your shopping, clean up the house, and cook your dinner for you. I’ll feed the baby and I’ll call a repairman I know to fix the washing machine promptly. Now stop crying. I’ll do everything. I’ll call George at the office and tell him he ought to come home and help out for once.”
“George?” said the housewife. “Who is George?”
“Why George! Your husband! … is this 223-1374?
“No this is 223-1375”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I guess I have the wrong number.”
There was a short pause and the house wife said, “Does this mean … you’re not coming over?