The worried housewife sprang to the telephone when it rang and
listened with relief to the kindly voice in her ear as it asked,
"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, I've
just sprained my ankle, the house is a mess and I'm having company
for dinner."
The mother was shocked "Sit down, and relax. I'll be over to
take care of everything and I'll call Fred at the office and tell
him to go home at once."
"Fred?" said the housewife. "Who's Fred?"
"Why, Fred! Your husband!"
"But my husband's name is Mike!" the housewife sobbed.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I have the wrong number," said the voice
on the line.
There was a short pause and the housewife said, "Does this mean
you're not coming over?"
