“Don’t explain. Business is business. Just deliver the key.”
When Billy went into the office, Mr. Prescott glanced at the clock.
“Punctuality, William,” he said, “is a desirable thing in business.”
He took the key just as if he had been expecting it.
“Thank you, William,” he said.
Then, seeming to forget Billy, he began to look the key over, stem, bit, and bow, touching it here and there, and holding it carefully, as if it were something that he valued very much.
Realizing, at last, that Billy was waiting, he said:
“Surprise, as I was saying, is one of the elements that must be reckoned with in business.”
When he said that, he used his firm, business tone.
But his voice was very gentle as he looked straight into Billy’s eyes, and added: