"Is Mr. Smith there?"
asked the client on the phone.

"I'm very sorry, but Mr. Smith
passed away last night," the
receptionist answered.

"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."

"Is Mr. Smith there?"
asked the client again.

"Ma'am, do you understand what I'm
 saying?" said the exasperated
receptionist. "MR. SMITH is DEAD!"

"I understand you perfectly,"

the client sighed. "I JUST CAN'T

HEAR IT OFTEN ENOUGH."