“Morning, Mr Heywood,” said Murphy and Heywood wished his voice wasn’t so loud. It jarred the twilight mood of the office.
“I’ve got some statistics here, the ones on Steel stocks; the ones showing fluctuation and ...”
“Ah, yes, Murphy, that’s very good of you to have them for me so promptly. I have another matter to discuss....” Heywood paused to make sure that Murphy was listening to him carefully. “This boy, Holton,” he went on, “I think he might do better dealing with the public, don’t you?”
“Yes,” said Murphy judiciously, “yes, I think that might be a good place for him. You saw him last night?”
“What? Oh, yes, I saw him last night. I had a pleasant talk with him. He’s a clever young man, I think.”
“Yes, he’s got a good head on his shoulders,” agreed Murphy.
“You will tell him, won’t you, about his promotion and, ah, transfer?”
“Certainly. He’ll be glad to hear this. I’ll be glad to tell him. And, by the way, there’s another matter in my section....”
“And what is that?” asked Heywood gently, trying not to yawn.
“Well, we’ve a man named Kuppelton who’s always done a good job and I think he should get the usual promotion in that department. The one we had in mind for Holton.”