GIBSON: No; I meant, hasn't any need been felt for a man with a certain
specialized knowledge? Say, for instance, to deal with the purchasing
of raw materials?
MIFFLIN [_somewhat vague and puzzled_]: I think they did do this through
an individual for a time. I think the head bookkeeper was given charge
of such matters; at least I think so. But probably they found that the
creation of such an office was unnecessary. Purely clerical work. At
least I haven't seen him about for several weeks.
GIBSON: Was he there on just one share of the profits?
MIFFLIN: Why, of course! That is the _sine qua non_.
GIBSON [_thoughtfully_]: I see. [_Paces up and down and halts again._]
So you say everybody is happy?
MIFFLIN: Radiant!
GIBSON: Everybody?
MIFFLIN [_beaming_]: Come and see!
GIBSON: Ah--Miss Gorodna seems to like it all, does she?
MIFFLIN: _Does_ she!
GIBSON [_a little falsely_]: None of them are happier than she is, I
suppose?
MIFFLIN: Miss Gorodna is the radiant, joyous sunshine of the whole
place!
GIBSON [_somewhat ruefully_]: Well, that's pleasant news.
[ELLA _appears from the house._]
ELLA: It's that old Ed Carter from the factory, Mr. Gibson. He heard
from Tom Riley you was expected back and he's come to call on you.
GIBSON: Tell him to come right out. [_Sees_ CARTER _beyond_ ELLA.] Come
out here, Carter! Glad to see you!
[_They shake hands._ CARTER _is unchanged as to head and
whiskers, but wears a square-cut black frock coat, or "Prince
Albert," with trousers and waistcoat of the same material; old
brown shoes, a derby hat, a blue satin four-in-hand tie.
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