Mr. West's graceful and sensible remarks made a distinct impression upon the directors, and Mr. Hopkins took occasion to say that it was precisely such thoughts as these that had led him to suggest looking abroad for a man. Mr. Shorter and Mr. Porter asserted that they would deprecate doing anything that Mr. West, with his closer knowledge of actual conditions, thought premature. Mr. Boggs admitted that the ability to write editorials of the first order was not all that should be required of the editor of the _Post_. It might be doubtful, thought he, whether so young a man could represent the _Post_ properly on occasions of a semi-public nature, or in emergency situations such as occasionally arose in an editorial office.
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. 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.