The morning after a senior judge passed away unexpectedly, the court house receptionist answered the phone. "Is Madame Justice Smith there?" the caller asked. "I'm very sorry, but Justice Smith passed away last night," the receptionist answered.

"Is Madam Justice Smith there?" repeated the caller.

The receptionist was perplexed. "Perhaps you didn't understand me I'm afraid Justice Smith passed away last night."

"Is Madam Justice Smith there?" asked the caller again.

"Madam, do you understand what I'm saying?" said the exasperated receptionist. "Justice Smith is dead."

"I understand you perfectly," the caller sighed. "I just can't hear it often enough."