Атлант расправил плечи

           Reardenwaitedforthefirst"Don’tyouthinkso?"andanswered,"Pleasestatetheurgentmatterforwhichyourequestedthisappointment."

           Dr.Ferrislookedastonishedandblankforamoment,thensaidbrightly,asifrememberinganunimportantsubjectwhichcouldbedisposedofwithouteffort,"Oh,that?ThatwasinregardtothedatesofdeliveryofReardenMetaltotheStateScienceInstitute.WeshouldliketohavefivethousandtonsbythefirstofDecember,andthenwe’llbequiteagreeabletowaitingforthebalanceoftheorderuntilafterthefirstoftheyear."

           Reardensatlookingathimsilentlyforalongtime;eachpassingmomenthadtheeffectofmakingthegayintonationsofDr.Ferris’voice,stillhangingintheairoftheroom,seemmorefoolish.WhenDr.Ferrishadbeguntodreadthathewouldnotansweratall,Reardenanswered,"Hasn’tthetrafficcopwiththeleatherleggings,whomyousenthere,givenyouareportonhisconversationwithme?"

           "Why,yes,Mr.Rearden,but—"

           "Whatelsedoyouwanttohear?"

           "Butthatwasfivemonthsago,Mr.Rearden.Acertaineventhastakenplacesince,whichmakesmequitesurethatyouhavechangedyourmindandthatyouwillmakenotroubleforusatall,justaswewillmakenotroubleforyou.