Chapter 4
SIR JEFFERSON COBB for distraction stroked the end of his nose with a feather pen, one of many that lay upon the narrow jade tray in front of him. His eye, for assurance, ran over the library table—a fine piece, specially made—none of your antiquities for him. Every kind of tool for writing, erasing, blotting, sealing, stamping, opening and closing of correspondence lay to his hand. His legs were extended at ease within a capacious knee-hole. To right and left of them were double rows of drawers which purred when you shut or opened them, and from which Sir Jefferson could produce at a moment's notice exactly the letter, document or receipt he wanted. Sir Jefferson at his desk, symbol of the order, method and style which he had created for himself, was twice Sir Jefferson. He was
