Ms. Quisenberry, receptionist at a noted law firm, answered
the phone the morning after the firm’s senior partner had
passed away, quite unexpectedly.

“Is Mr. Smith there?” asked the client on the phone.

“I’m very sorry, but Mr. Smith passed away last night,” Ms.
Quisenberry replied.

“Is Mr. Smith there?” repeated the client.

The receptionist was perplexed. “Perhaps you didn’t understand
me. I’m afraid Mr. Smith passed away last night.”

“Yes. Is Mr. Smith there?” asked the client, yet again.

“Really, sir! Do you understand what I’m saying?” queried the
exasperated receptionist. “Mr. Smith is dead.”

“I understand you perfectly,” sighed the client. “I just can’t
hear it often enough.”