“Farrington? What is the meaning of this? Why have I always to complain of you? May I ask you why you haven’t made a copy of that contract between Bodley and Kirwan? I told you it must be ready by four o’clock.”

“But Mr. Shelley said, sir⁠—”

“ Mr. Shelley said, sir.⁠ ⁠… Kindly attend to what I say and not to what Mr. Shelley says, sir . You have always some excuse or another for shirking work. Let me tell you that if the contract is not copied before this evening I’ll lay the matter before Mr. Crosbie.⁠ ⁠… Do you hear me now?”

“Yes, sir.”