Mr Grimes:     Is that you, John?

John Smith:   Yes, speaking.

Mr Grimes:   Tell Mary we shall be late for dinner this evening.

John Smith:   I’m afraid I don’t understand.

Mr Grimes:   Hasn’t Mary told you? She invited betty and me to dinner this evening. I said I would be at your house at six o’clock, but the boss wants me to do some extra work. I’ll have to stay at the office. I don’t know when I shall finish. Oh, and by the way, my wife wants to know if Mary needs any help.

John Smith:    I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Mr Grimes:        That is John Smith, isn’t it?

John Smith:       Yes, I’m John Smith.

Mr Grimes:       You are John Smith, the engineer, aren’t you?

John Smith:       That’s right.

Mr Grimes:       You work for the Overseas Engineering Company, don’t you?

John Smith:    No, I don’t. I’m John Smith the telephone engineer and I’m repairing your telephone line.