Between us was the telephone instrument and the bell which had just rung out its summons.
"Are you not going to answer it ?" I asked.
"I am afraid!" she answered.

"I do not know what has come over me.

I am afraid! Take up the receiver.

Tell me who it is who speaks." "You are sure that you wish it ?" I asked.
"At once!" she insisted.

"They will have gone away." The bell rang again.