He wondered whether Ruth had talked to Duveen before she hinted he might get a better post.
"Perhaps I ought not to have come up.

In fact, I hesitated--" Duveen laughed.

"So I remarked! You reckoned the Occidental stoop was pretty public and your talking to me might imply that you wanted my support?
Well, I'll risk that.

It's obvious you're on the short list.

Do you want a post ?" For a moment or two Lister pondered.