Атлант расправил плечи

           Therewerespurtsoftransparentsmoke,likewavesofheat,invisiblebutforthestructuresthatshiveredbehindthem;therewerestreaksofredsmoke,andsluggishcolumnsofyellow,andlight,floatingspiralsofblue—andthethick,tight,swiftlypouringcoilsthatlookedliketwistedboltsofsatintingedamother-of-pearlpinkbythesummersun.

           Thebuzzerrangonhisdesk,andMissIvesvoicesaid,"Dr.FloydFerristoseeyou,withoutappointment,Mr.Rearden."Inspiteofitsrigidformality,hertoneconveyedthequestion:ShallIthrowhimout?

           TherewasafaintmovementofastonishmentinRearden’sface,barelyabovethelineofindifference:hehadnotexpectedthatparticularemissary.Heansweredevenly,"Askhimtocomein."

           Dr.FerrisdidnotsmileashewalkedtowardRearden’sdesk;hemerelyworealooksuggestingthatReardenknewfullwellthathehadgoodreasontosmileandsohewouldabstainfromtheobvious.

           Hesatdowninfrontofthedesk,notwaitingforaninvitation;hecarriedabriefcase,whichheplacedacrosshisknees;heactedasifwordsweresuperfluous,sincehisreappearanceinthisofficehadmadeeverythingclear.

           Reardensatwatchinghiminpatientsilence.

           "SincethedeadlineforthesigningofthenationalGiftCertificatesexpirestonightatmidnight,"saidDr.Ferris,inthetoneofasalesmanextendingaspecialcourtesytoacustomer,"Ihavecometoobtainyoursignature,Mr.Rearden.