Then the Phoenix fluttered
to the middle of the mantelpiece and stood there, looking more
golden than ever. Then every one in the house and the office came
in--from the cashier to the women who cooked the clerks' dinners in
the beautiful kitchen at the top of the house. And every one bowed
to the Phoenix and then sat down in a chair.
'Gentlemen,' said the nicest gentleman, 'we have met here today--'
The Phoenix was turning its golden beak from side to side.
'I don't notice any incense,' it said, with an injured sniff. A
hurried consultation ended in plates being fetched from the
kitchen. Brown sugar, sealing-wax, and tobacco were placed on
these, and something from a square bottle was poured over it all.
Then a match was applied. It was the only incense that was handy
in the Phoenix office, and it certainly burned very briskly and
smoked a great deal.
'We have met here today,' said the gentleman again, 'on an occasion
unparalleled in the annals of this office. Our respected Phoenix--'
'Head of the House,' said the Phoenix, in a hollow voice.
'I was coming to that. Our respected Phoenix, the Head of this
ancient House, has at length done us the honour to come among us.
I think I may say, gentlemen, that we are not insensible to this
honour, and that we welcome with no uncertain voice one whom we
have so long desired to see in our midst.
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