I returned to my office in one of those moods that are the more disagreeable because conflicting.  To-day in particular I had been aroused by what Tom used to call Krebs’s “crust,” and as I sat at my desk warm waves of resentment went through me at the very notion of his telling me that my view was limited and that therefore my professional conduct was to be forgiven!  It was he, the fanatic, who saw things in the larger scale! an assumption the more exasperating because at the moment he made it he almost convinced me that he did, and I was unable to achieve for him the measure of contempt I desired, for the incident, the measure of ridicule it deserved.  My real animus was due to the fact that he had managed to shake my self-confidence, to take the flavour out of my achievements,—­a flavour that was in the course of an hour to be completely restored by one of those interesting coincidences occasionally occurring in life.  A young member of my staff entered with a telegram; I tore it open, and sat staring at it a moment before I realized that it brought to me the greatest honour of my career.

The Banker-Personality in New York had summoned me for consultation.  To be recognized by him conferred indeed an ennoblement, the Star and Garter, so to speak, of the only great realm in America, that of high finance; and the yellow piece of paper I held in my hand instantly re-magnetized me, renewed my energy, and I hurried home to pack my bag in order to catch the seven o’clock train.  I announced the news to Maude.

“I imagine it’s because he knows I have made something of a study of the coal roads situation,” I added.

“I’m glad, Hugh,” she said.  “I suppose it’s a great compliment.”

Never had her inadequacy to appreciate my career been more apparent!  I looked at her curiously, to realize once more with peculiar sharpness how far we were apart; but now the resolutions I had made—­and never carried out—­on that first Christmas in the new home were lacking.  Indeed, it was the futility of such resolutions that struck me at this moment.  If her manner had been merely one of indifference, it would in a way have been easier to bear; she was simply incapable of grasping the significance of the event, the meaning to me of the years of unceasing, ambitious effort it crowned.

“Yes, it is something of a recognition,” I replied.  “Is there anything I can get for you in New York?  I don’t know how long I shall have to stay—­I’ll telegraph you when I’m getting back.”  I kissed her and hurried out to the automobile.  As I drove off I saw her still standing in the doorway looking after me....  In the station I had a few minutes to telephone Nancy.

“If you don’t see me for a few days it’s because I’ve gone to New York,” I informed her.

“Something important, I’m sure.”

“How did you guess?” I demanded, and heard her laugh.