Tommy did so. This time he included both ceiling and floor, and in the end his glance rested on Mr. Thompson's face.
“Come with me,” said Mr. Thompson.
Tommy followed the president into the private office.
“Sit down, Leigh, and tell me what you saw. Name every object, everything you remember—numbers and colors and sizes.”
Tommy understood now what was expected of him and regretted that he had not made a stronger effort at memorizing. He decided to visualize the office and its contents. He closed his eyes and began at one corner of the office, methodically working his way clear round.
Mr. Thompson had a comptometer in his hand and registered as Tommy spoke.
“That's all I can remember.”
“Ninety-six—less than a third. Color seems to be your weak point. Study colors hereafter, but don't neglect form and size or numbers. Now tell me how the people looked; how they impressed you. Frankly.”
Tommy told him frankly how the clerks looked to him.
“Come back here this afternoon at two-thirty-two sharp,” said Thompson. And Tommy, after one look at the plump face and steady eyes, went away, disappointed but honestly endeavoring to convince himself that Mr. Thompson was not really and truly unfair.