"Mary, could you call Helen again to ask if Mr. Scott will come home? I've made his favorite dishes tonight," Rachel instructed gently and gracefully as she placed her meal on the table.
"Alright."
Mary turned to make the call while Rachel returned to the kitchen to bring out the soup she had been simmering for hours.
Once everything was on the table, Rachel asked, "Did you make the call?"
Mary stood by, looking downcast, "Helen said Mr. Scott has plans tonight and won't be coming home."
Rachel's previously bright mood dimmed a bit. "Why don't you call again and tell Helen it's just dinner; it won't take much of Mr. Scott's time."
Mary approached Rachel, who was bent over arranging the plates and supported her. "Miss Foster, the night before last, you cooked dinner for Mr. Scott, and last night too, and again tonight... Every time I call Helen, he says Mr. Scott is busy and can't make it back. Those are excuses; Mr. Scott probably doesn't want to come home."
