Howard flushed with resentment, not at what Stokely said, but at his tone.
“Now, don’t get on your high horse. I don’t think you understand.” Stokely’s tone had moderated. “Don’t you know that the Delaware Valley road is in this?”
Howard started. He had just invested two hundred thousand dollars in that stock on Stokely’s advice “No, I didn’t know it.” He recovered himself. “And furthermore I don’t give a damn.” He struck his desk angrily. His simulation of incorruptible indignation for the moment half deceived himself.
“Why, man, if this infernal roast is kept up, you’ll lose a hundred thousand. Then there are my interests. I’m up to my neck in this deal.”
“My advice to you is to get out of it. I’m sorry, but you know as well as I do that the thing is infamous.”
“Infamous—nonsense! It will double our dividends and the consumers won’t feel it.”
“Let us not discuss it, Stokely. There—don’t say anything you’ll regret.”
“But—”
“Now, Stokely—don’t argue it with me.”
Stokely put on his hat, stood up and looked at Howard with sullen admiration. “You will drive away the last friend you’ve got on earth, if you keep this up. Good morning.”