A law firm receptionist answered the phone the morning after the firm´s senior partner had passed away unexpectedly.

"Is Mr. Smith there?", asked the client on the phone.

"I´m very sorry, but Mr. Smith passed away last night," the receptionist answered.

"Is Mr. Smith there?", repeated the client.

The receptionist was perplexed. "Perhaps you didn´t understand me I´m afraid Mr. Smith passed away last night."

"Is Mr. Smith there?", asked the client again.

"Ma´am, do you understand what I´m saying?", said the exasperated receptionist. "Mr. Smith is DEAD!"

"I understand you perfectly," the client sighed. "I just can´t hear it often enough