A worried Mrs. Melnik sprang to the telephone when it rang and listened with relief to the kindly voice in her ear.

"How are you, darling?" it said. "What kind of a 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 and the washing machine broke down. I
haven't had a chance to go shopping, and besides, I've just sprained my
ankle and I have to hobble around. On top of that, the house is a mess
and I'm supposed to have two couples to dinner tonight."

The mother was shocked and was at once all sympathy. "Oh, darling," she
said, "sit down, relax, and close your eyes. I'll be over in half an
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 who'll be
at your house to fix the washing machine promptly. Now stop crying. I'll
do everything. In fact, I'll even call Morty at the office and tell him
he ought to come home and help out for once."

"Morty?" said the housewife. "Who's Morty?"

"Why, Morty! Your husband! ....Is this 555-1374? "

"No, this is 555-1375."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I have the wrong number."

There was a short pause and the housewife said, "Does this mean you're
not coming over?"