Operator : If you make a station call, the phone company will start charging as soon as anyone picks up the phone——perhaps not the party you are calling.
Guest : And if I made the other call, person-to-person, how is the charge?
Operator : Thats it, madam. In this case you will not be charged till the party you called answers.
Guest : If hes not there?
Operator : There will be no charge, except a handling expense.
Guest : But person- to- person is dearer, isnt it?
Operator : Im afraid so, madam.
Guest : Then make it a station -to- station call.
Operator : Very good, madam. Could I know how you will be paying for this col-lect call or direct charge?
Guest : I don t understand.
Operator : If you call collect, then the charge will be reversed, and the party youcall must agree to accept the call and the charge. If you make a pay call, the cost will be debited to your bill here in the hotel.
Guest : I see. Then I 11 call collect station - to - station. My son will accept all charges, Im sure.
Operator : I am sorry, madam. If you call collect, and your son is not there, and someone else answers, he will be charged, if it is a station call. There could be arguments about billing. So station calls are always pay calls.
Guest : I see. Let me talk it over with my husband, and I 11 call you back.
Operator : Certainly, madam. There is no hurry. Ill keep the details in hand, and thank you for calling.
展开
