I don't know why, but they do.

So I touched the bell, and this talk ensued: CENTRAL OFFICE.

(GRUFFY.) Hello! I.Is it the Central Office?
C.O.Of course it is.

What do you want?
I.Will you switch me on to the Bagleys, please?
C.O.All right.

Just keep your ear to the telephone.
Then I heard K-LOOK, K-LOOK, K'LOOK--KLOOK-KLOOK-KLOOK-LOOK-LOOK! then a horrible "gritting" of teeth, and finally a piping female voice: Y-e-s?
(RISING INFLECTION.) Did you wish to speak to me?
Without answering, I handed the telephone to the applicant, and sat down.