“We must not compare happiness. That’s all nonsense.”
“What then is serious?”
“What is serious?” He leaned back and took David in. “It is serious that you should leave this office this very moment and go meandering as your fancy prompts. Go!... Get along.”
David ran for his hat.
“Well, that is for my happiness, is it not?”
“It is not! It is for your health.” Mr. Barlow looked very stern.
David hesitated at the door. He came back to Mr. Barlow’s side and once more, this time timidly, put his outstretched fingers on the blotter.
“You know how much I appreciate you, don’t you, Mr. Barlow?”
Mr. Barlow took up a letter, screwed his glasses grimacingly to his nose, and began to read.
“David,” as his head moved swiftly from side to side in pursuit of the words, “you are wasting your free afternoon.”