armella had insisted that her father install a telephone in the house.
“Nobody ever got to be big business without a phone,” she argued.
And then, as he hesitated:
“Suppose Mr. Barrington should want to call you.”
Tommaso was surprised to discover how much the instrument eased his affairs, and he became proficient in its use when talking to his countrymen. When English was necessary, Carmella translated, putting in his calls for him.
She was the undisputed proprietor of the instrument. It was understood that, whenever the bell rang, she should answer. Maria, frankly afraid, never touched it.
The family was at dinner one noon when the telephone sounded. Carmella rushed to the instrument.
“Hello!” she said.
“O-oh!” and she caught her breath. “Listen, I’ll call you about two o’clock.”
Maria, understanding some of the words, kept silent.
[203]
