Chapter Thirty-Seven
The First Commissioner’s office – Sir Roger’s plan – an offer – news – Dr Pannett’s despair
The office of the Commissioner of Works was discreet and tidy. A double portrait of Victoria and Albert hung above the Commissioner’s desk, which was at right angles from the door. Though it was a little cold, the fireplace was empty. On the desk was a paperweight, wrought in the symbol of the terrible religion of the Bat people of the moon, the worship of the Burning Orb.
The Rev Dr Pannett sat in an overstuffed chair, trying as best he could to avoid looking at the paperweight. It occurred to him that his self-conscious avoidance must be obvious, so he glanced at the sphere with its motif of fire. Eventually, he came to feel that he must be looking too closely. Looking away
