The young man leaning toward him to take it, blotted out for a moment the thin, bent figure. When his shoulders straightened themselves again, the president of the “R. and Q.” was erect in his chair, his inscrutable face turned toward the directors.
The young man read rapidly from the paper. It was a summary of items. They had the substance of it already. This only gathered it into smaller compass for them, the quiet voice seemed to assure them, as it went swiftly to the end.
“There is one point not included in the formal report that the President intended to speak to you about.” He had laid down the paper and was looking at them.
They returned the glance, finding a certain pleasure in this sturdy young man.
Simeon looked up with a little, startled glance.... The hand touched his arm carelessly and rested there while the voice went on speaking.
“It had been President Tetlow’s wish to ask for a leave of absence—to take effect at your pleasure—”
The arm beneath the hand stirred and Simeon ’s mouth opened with an inarticulate sound.
The directors glanced at him with sympathetic, humorous smile.
The senior director was on his feet proposing a motion—Three other directors, all on their feet, were seconding it—It was carried with a little informal hurst of enthusiasm.
Simeon rose to his feet. It was as if he thought that he could respond.