Using a public telephone may well be one of{{U}} (1) {{/U}}of life, demanding patience, determination and{{U}} (2) {{/U}}, together on occasion with considerable unpopularity.
The hopeful caller (shall we call him George?)waits till six o'clock in the evening to{{U}} (3) {{/U}}the so-called 'cheap rates' for{{U}} (4) {{/U}}. The telephone box, with two broken panes of glass in the side, stands{{U}} (5) {{/U}}two main roads with buses, lorries and cars roaring past. It is pouring with rain as George joins a queue of four depressed-looking people. Time passes slowly and seems to come to{{U}} (6) {{/U}}while the person immediately before George carries on an endless conversation, pausing{{U}} (7) {{/U}}another coin every minute or so.
Eventually the receiver is replaced and the caller leaves the box. George enters and picks up one of the directories inside, {{U}}(8) {{/U}}that someone unknown has tom out the very page he needs. Nothing for it but to dial Directory Enquiries, {{U}}(9) {{/U}}(while someone outside bangs repeatedly on the door) and finally{{U}} (10) {{/U}}given.
At last George can go ahead with his call. Just as he is{{U}} (11) {{/U}}, however, the door pens and{{U}} (12) {{/U}}peers in: As he continues to dial, his unwanted companion withdraws. At last he hears the burr-burr of{{U}} (13) {{/U}}, immediately followed by rapid pips demanding his money, but he is now so upset that he{{U}} (14) {{/U}}he has placed ready{{U}} (15) {{/U}}of the box. Having at last located them, he dials again: the pips are repeated and he hastily inserts the coins. A cold voice{{U}} (16) {{/U}}, "Grand Hotel, Chalfont Wells," I've an urgent message for a Mr. Smith who is a guest in your hotel. Could you{{U}} (17) {{/U}}to him? I'm afraid I don't know his room number.
The response appears less than enthusiastic and{{U}} (18) {{/U}}. George inserts more coins. Then the voice informs him I've been trying to locate Mr. Smith but the hall porter reports having seen him{{U}} (19) {{/U}}.
Breathing heavily, George replaces the receiver, just as{{U}} (20) {{/U}}starts again.