IT and meaning: Say that again

Gertrude's mum was on the phone a few minutes ago.

There was news. Of  a minor eye surgery for her mum.  Of the neighbour's daughter eloping with the grocer. Of food, promotions and air travel. Skype conversations and a visiting cousin. One more thing, said her mother, I will need an iPad for a few days. Excellent, said Gertrude and forthwith invoked names of her friends in New York who could source one.

There was a minute of silence at the other end. And protest. But Gertrude, I won't even be able to read a book with my iPad. Sorry ma? Eye pad. Not iPad.