Mr. Wilmerding inquired the young man's age, and upon being told that he
was under twenty-six, remarked that only very exceptional abilities
could counteract such youth as that.
"That," said Mr. Hickok, glancing cursorily at Charles Gardiner West,
"is exactly the sort of abilities Mr. Queed possesses."
Discussion flagged. The chairman asked if they were ready for a vote
upon Mr. Queed.
"No, no--let's take our time," said Mr. Wilmerding.
"Perhaps somebody has other nominations to offer."
No one seemed to have other nominations to offer. Some minutes were
consumed by random suggestions and unprogressive recommendations. Busy
directors began to look at their watches.
"Look here, Gard--I mean Mr. West," suddenly said young Theodore Fyne,
the baby of the board. "Why couldn't we persuade _you_ to take the
editorship?... Resign from the college, you know?"
"Now you _have_ said something!" cried Mr. Hopkins, enthusiastically.
Mr. West, by a word and a gesture, indicated that the suggestion was
preposterous and the conversation highly unwelcome.
But it was obvious that young Mr.
Pages:
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413