Fyne's suggestion had caught the
directors at sight. Mr. Shorter and Mr. Porter affirmed that they had
not ventured to hope, etc., etc., but that if Mr. West could be induced
to consider the position, no choice would appear to them so
eminently--etc., etc. So said Mr. Boggs. So said Messrs. Hopkins, Fyne,
and Wilmerding.
Mr. Hickok, the director who resembled James E. Winter, looked out of
the window.
Mr. West, obviously restive under these tributes, was constrained to
state his position more fully. For more than one reason which should be
evident, he said, the mention of his name in this connection was most
embarrassing and distasteful to him. While thanking the directors
heartily for their evidences of good-will, he therefore begged them to
desist, and proceed with the discussion of other candidates.
"In that case," said Mr. Hickok, "it appears to be the reluctant duty of
the nominator to withdraw Mr. West's name."
But the brilliant young man's name, once thrown into the arena, could no
more be withdrawn than the fisherman of legend could restore the genie
to the bottle, or Pandora get her pretty gifts back into the box again.
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