Directions: Read the following passage and answer the question.
Phil was seated behind his desk signing papers when the phone rang. He picked it up. I told you I didn't want to talk to him. You mean he's here? Ingersoll's here? He paused, collecting his thoughts. Haven't I told you - didn't you tell him, I'm in a meeting? Oh, hell, then send him in.
Phil's office, on the thirty-ninth floor of one of Chicago's newest skyscrapers, was opulently furnished. Papers were stacked neatly on one corner of his immaculate desk. On the other corner stood a framed photograph of his wife and children. Behind the desk was a massive window looking over the lower buildings of the loop for a distance of twenty miles on a clear day. Along the wall opposite to desk was a couch. Two comfortable visitor chairs immediately faced the desk.
As tall, seventy-years-old Ingersoll breezed in, Phil, beaming rose from behind his desk to shake his hand. Calvin! What a surprise, he exclaimed. Good to see you again.
Same here, my friend - my old friend, said Cal, beaming as well and taking Phil's hand.
Please sit. Sit down, by all means, said Phil directing him to one of the chairs before his desk. Tell me, Cal, how long would you say it's been?
You mean -
I mean since we've actually seen each other. Of course, we've talked on the phone. That little business matter, y'know and -
I'd say - perhaps ten years, more or less, said Cal.
Oh, all of that. Ten years, at least. It was at Flaunteroy's Tavern, wasn't it? said Phil settling back in his velour upholstered chair.
Ah, yes. Excellent cuisine, I must say, said Cal grinning.
You were coming out of the bar, as I recall.
Sober, I presume, said Cal with a laugh.
Glowing is more like it. You were exceptionally cordial.
My glow had to be genuine - I believe. Yes, I was delighted to see you - after- how long had it been then?
A good twenty-five years. As of now we've seen each other only twice in thirty-five years. I'd hardly call it a close friendship, right Cal?
Of course, Phil, in between there have been Christmas cards - and you're often in my thoughts, my friend, Cal said in defence.
Sure. Well, how is it going at the college? said Phil, offering a reprieve.
I'm a professor emeritus now.
Finally retired, eh?
He's quite. I must teach, you know, so they allow me an English Literature course now and then - a mere bone, a way of easing me out rather painlessly, you know.
You certainly seem to be ageing well, Cal.
Actually, I'm quite fit, said Cal crossing one knee over the other. Be advised, my friend, alcohol is a poor preservative for human protoplasm. I'm quite off the sauce nowadays.
Glad to hear it. Well -
Hardly as much fun - sobriety's really a bore, you know, Cal said laughing but he stopped when he saw that Phil, showing a hint of impatience, didn't join in.
You were saying over the phone -
I hope I'm not intruding. I had to talk to you personally, Phil.
You mean about money again? said Phil, picking up and fingering a gold pen.
In point of fact, Phil, this time it's not for myself. My roommate -
Your roommate? said Phil, eyebrows raised. In the old days, I remember, when I suggested we share an apartment you insisted on living alone.
Times have changed, Phil. You might say, my lover, then. That's the long and short of it. I see no point in pretending.
I see. And she's in trouble, is that it?
Trouble, yes, said Cal, hesitating as he formulated his revelation. He's quite addicted, you know. Very, very unfortunate. But now realising how futile his habit is, he's quite ready to submit to detoxification. However, as you know, it's quite expensive - or perhaps you didn't know, and as it so happens, I'm still somewhat short myself - rest assured, Phil, I'll pay you back. I insist that it be only a loan.
Just a minute, said Phil sitting upright from a slouch. What happened to the five hundred dollar cheque I sent you last week?
As I explained - I thought I had explained - that was for my car insurance.
Yes, that's what you said, but now -
It's not for myself this time, Phil. Five hundred dollars, that's all. As I said, it would be merely a loan. I would repay it in due time, I assure you, in due time. Of course, I'd consider no other terms. You see, Phil, when I receive my social security payment first of the month I should be able to -
You were never very good at managing money, were you Cal?