He had jumped too quickly into those questions for him to be taking this particular situation seriously. She was certain he took her seriously, but certainly he didn't believe the real reason she wasn't up-to-date with the telephones.

But she knew she couldn't get very far with lying, and losing his trust would be far too costly in the end.

"Well," she began, somewhat defeated, "they were larger. More detailed, with more metal." She eyed the phone on his desk again. "The cords were straight and the numbers were on a dial."

She'd have gone on to say she supposed they worked in the same manner, but the intercom interrupted her, and she paused to listen. When it was finished, she stood in anticipation of her nurse, then extended her hand towards Dr Wilson (in a non-threatening manner).

"Thank you, Doctor. I appreciate your efforts."