Who Made Yellow Roses Yellow? by John Updike

Fred Platt, a long lost friend calls Clayton Clayton out of the blue using a fictitious story. After being transferred through several secretaries, Fred is finally able to talk to Clayton. After listening to the prank pitch, Clayton asks if the caller is Fred. Fred playfully queries Clayton "Who are all these girls you live in the midst of?" Clayton inquires if Fred is still studying at the Sorbonnet which Fred replies in French. After Clayton insists that his schedule was completely booked, Clayton grudgingly invites Fred to lunch. Fred is unemployed trying to bait a position at Clayton's office. The two haven't talked in three years. Fred went to the war while Clayton stayed home. Their awkward departure as Clayton says, "Well, back to the salt mines." Fred responds, "Ye are the salt of the earth."