232 A MODERN COMEDY
Cou6 does—put it into them again and again that day by
day in every way the author's gettin' better and better;
and ten to one when yon go round next, it's got into their
subconscious, especially if you take 'em just after lunch or
dinner, when they're a bit drowsy. Let me take my own
time, sir, and I'll put that edition over for you."
" Well," Michael had answered, " if you can inspire
confidence in the future of my governor, Butterfield, you'll
deserve more than your ten per cent."
" I can do it, sir ; it's just a question of faith."
" But you haven't any, have you ? "
"Well, not, so to speak, in the author—but I've got
faith that I can give them faith in him ; that's the real
point."
" I see—the three-card stunt; inspire the faith you
haven't got, that the card is there, and they'll take it.
Well, the disillusion is not immediate—you'll probably
always get out of the room in time. Go ahead, then ! "
The young man Butterfield had smiled. . . .
The uneasy part ot the pride inspired in Michael now by
the name was due to old Forsyte's continually saying to
him that he didn't know—he couldn't tell—there was that
young man and his story about Elderson, and they got no
further, . . .
" Good morning, sir. Can you spare me five minutes ? "
" Come in, Butterfield. Bunkered with c Duet' ? "
" No, sir. I've placed forty already. It's another
matter." Glancing at the shut door, the young man came
closer.
" I'm working my list alphabetically. Yesterday I was
in the E's." His voice dropped. " Mr. Elderson."
" Phew ! " said Michael. " You can give him the go-by."
" As a fact, sir, I haven't."
" What! Been over the top ? "