George Passant by C. P. Snow Read Free Book Online Page A

‘we have always taken these cases as a matter of form… But Mr Passant, I believe, is interested in this young man Cotery, and has asked permission to attend this business tonight. After the Principal’s statement, Mr Passant, is there anything that you want to say?’
    ‘Yes, Mr Chairman, there are some things that I want to say,’ said George. He had nowhere to rest his hands: he pulled down his waistcoat. But he was not resentful and defensive, as he had been with Eden the Friday night before. Four out of these five were against him: always ready to scent enemies, he must have known. Yet, now it had come to the moment, his voice was clear, masterful, and strong.
    ‘First, this committee is responsible for appointing Cotery and it is responsible now if his support is withdrawn. The only consideration which such a committee can act upon is whether a man is making good use of his opportunity. Cotery could not be making better. I sent a request to the Principal that a report from those supervising his work here should be circularised to the committee. If it has not arrived, I can say that they regard his ability as higher than anyone in their department for the last three years. You cannot ask more than that. If the committee allows itself to be coerced by an employer to get rid of such a man, it is showing itself singularly indifferent to merit. And it ought in honesty to declare that its appointments are governed, not partly but entirely, by employers’ personal vendettas.’
    George’s voice rang round the room. Calvert’s sounded faint by contrast as he broke in: ‘I can’t allow – I mean, personal considerations have nothing to do with it.’
    ‘I should like to ask, through you, Mr Chairman,’ said George, the instant Calvert finished, ‘whether Mr Calvert maintains that personal considerations have not dictated his entire course of action?’
    ‘I protest,’ said the Principal.
    ‘It’s entirely a matter – the organisation of my firm, I mean, didn’t happen to give room for another man of Cotery’s age. I let him know – I think he realised during the summer. I certainly let him know.’
    In the midst of George, Beddow and the Principal, all fluent in their different manners, Calvert was at a loss for words. His face was chubby and petulant, and quite unlike his handsome son’s. His irritation seemed naïve and bewildered; but I felt a streak of intense obstinacy in him.
    ‘I think,’ said George, ‘that Mr Calvert ought to be allowed to withdraw his last suggestion.’
    ‘I have no intention of – No,’ said Calvert.
    ‘Then,’ said George, ‘ who knew that you wouldn’t have room for Cotery? and so intended to cut him off here?’
    ‘No one, except Cotery and myself. I don’t – it’s not necessary to discuss my business with other people.’
    ‘That is, no one knew of your intention until you wrote to the Principal some days ago?’ said George.
    ‘There was no need.’
    ‘No one knew of your intention, in fact, until another incident had happened? Until after you told Cotery that you had forbidden your son–’
    Beddow interrupted loudly: ‘I can’t allow any more, Mr Passant. I’ve got to apologise again’ – he turned to Calvert – ‘that you’ve been compelled to listen to remarks that, giving Mr Passant every shadow of a doubt, are in the worst possible taste.’
    ‘I entirely concur,’ said the Principal. It was clear that he and Beddow, at any rate, knew the whole sorry story. ‘And, Mr Chairman, since a delicate matter has most regrettably been touched on, I wonder if Miss Geary would not prefer to leave the room?’
    ‘Certainly not,’ said Miss Geary; and settled herself squatly and darkly in her chair.
    ‘I take it,’ said George, ‘that to punish a man without trial is in the best possible taste. And I refuse to make this incident sound ominous by brooding over it in silence. Mr Calvert either knows or ought to know that Cotery is absolutely