"I am passing through town, Mary, and have just three quarters of an hour till my train goes. Now sit down and _talk_." And the pair of them did talk, oblivious to everything about them. How the minutes did fly and the questions too! The 'phone rang in the next room--two rings. On Mary's accustomed ear it fell unheeded. She talked on. Again two rings. She did not notice. "Isn't that your 'phone?" asked the visitor. "O, _yes_! You knocked it clean out of my head, Alice. Excuse me a minute," and she vanished. "Did you give that message to the doctor?" "He is not back yet." "I saw him go into the office not ten minutes ago." "I have 'phoned twice and failed to find him." "I hoped when I saw him leave the office that he had started down to see my little boy, but of course he hasn't if he didn't get the message." "I am sorry. An old friend I had not seen for years came in and of course it went out of my mind for a few minutes, though I 'phoned twice before she came. I am sure he will be back in a few minutes and I will send him right down, Mr. Nelson." "Why do you do that?" asked her friend, pointedly as she came in. "Why take upon yourself the responsibility of people's messages being delivered." "It _is_ an awful responsibility. I don't know why I do it--so many people seem to expect it as a matter of course--" "It's a great deal easier for each person to deliver his own message than for you to have a half dozen on your mind at once. I wouldn't do it. You'll be a raving lunatic by the next time I see you." "At least I'll have ample time in which to become one," laughed Mary. "I'm going," announced her friend, suddenly rising. "I could spare five or ten minutes more but if I sit here you'll forget that 'phone again. But take my advice, Mary, and institute a change in the order of things." When she had gone Mary sat for a few minutes lost in thought. Then, remembering, she sprang up and went to the 'phone. No answer to her ring. "Dear me! Will I _never_ get that message delivered and off my mind." Soon a ring came. "Isn't he back _yet_?" "I 'phoned about three minutes ago and failed to get him. By the way, Mr. Nelson, will you just 'phone the doctor at the office, please? That will be a more direct way to get him as I seem to fail altogether this morning. I am sure that he can't be gone much longer," she said very pleasantly and hung up the receiver. The responsibility had been gracefully shifted and she was free for a while. Other occasions would arise when she could not be free, but in cases of this kind her friend's clear insight had helped her out. * * * * * Ting-a-ling-ling-ling. Ting-a-ling-ling-ling. "Hello." "Is this Dr. Blank?" "Yes." "My husband has just started for your office. He says he's going to send you down. I don't need a doctor. Will you tell him that?" "I'll tell him you _said_ so." "Well, I don't. So don't you come!"