(Strip Number 4564, Original Publication Date, 13 February 1986)
Panel 1: After he explains his clever plan, Elly tells John that she hasn't assisted at the clinic for years and also has to think about her job at the library.
Panel 2: He then asks if she could PLEEEEASE come in at noon hour after leaving the kids with Annie.
Panel 3: She tells him no about seven times to make it clear that he should find another sucker.
Panel 4: Since he 'clearly' doesn't take her seriously, he astonishes her by promising to ask again when she's had time to think about it.
Summary: His doing a really horrible thing and remembering all the other times she's folded faster than Superman on Laundry Day might be why he thinks he has a shot of convincing her. Besides, someone's gotta be there to call Irene the other woman and scare Phil into thinking that she could accidentally destroy his career.