Nor was there anything
which might justly be called an expression, discernible between Mr.
Greenough's cloven chin-tip and Mr. Greenough's pale fringe of hair,
when, as Banneker entered the office at noon, he called the reporter to
him. Banneker's face, on the contrary, displayed a quite different
impression; that of amiability.
"Nothing in the Eyre story, Mr. Banneker!"
"Not a thing."
"You saw Mr. Densmore?"
"Yes, sir."
"Would he talk?"
"Yes; he made a statement."
"It didn't appear in the paper."
"There was nothing to it but unqualified denial."
"I see; I see. That's all, Mr. Banneker.... Oh, by the way."
Banneker, who had set out for his desk, turned back.
"I had a note from you this morning."
As this statement required no confirmation, Banneker gave it none.
"Containing your resignation."
"Conditional upon my being assigned to pry into society or private
scandals or rumors of them."
"The Ledger does not recognize conditional resignation."
"Very well." Banneker's smile was as sunny and untroubled as a baby's.
"I suppose you appreciate that some one must cover this kind of news."
"Yes. It will have to be some one else."
The faintest, fleeting suspicion of a frown troubled the Brahminical
calm of Mr.
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