Donovan greeted him as if he had been a friend and not a servant.
“Take a chair, Smith, and sit down. I want to talk to you.”
Smith refused to accept this new position.
“Beg pardon, sir,” he said, “but if it’s all the same to you, I’d rather stand. Seems more natural, sir.”
Gorman, who had followed Smith into the room, hovered uncertainly near the door. He very much wanted to hear what Donovan had to say; but he was not quite sure whether he was meant to be present.
“Any objection to my staying?” he asked. “I’m interested in international peace movements and Hague Conferences. I’d like to hear how you mean to work this affair.”
“Sit down,” said Donovan, “but don’t get interrupting. Now that I’ve taken hold I mean to handle this damned business my own way.”
Gorman sat down and lit his pipe. Donovan turned to Smith.
“You’re a valuable man, Smith,” he said, “and I’d like to retain your services.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Smith. “I’ve done my best to give satisfaction.”