"Jim," said the puzzled young clerk to his friend, "what is a good thing to give a girl for a birthday present?"
"I gave my girl a ring," replied Jim.
His companion shook his head.
"I couldn't afford it," he answered. "How much did it cost?"
"Nothing," smiled Jim. "She's a telephone operator."

to give one a ring - 1. дать или подарить кому-то кольцо; 2. позвонить кому-то (по телефону)
telephone operator - телефонистка

LI 3.9.25