But I almost forgot my own griefs when I saw my chief.
When I found him, already astir in his office, his face was strangely wan and thin, his hands bloodless.

Over him hung an air of utter weariness; yet, shame to my own despair, energy showed in all his actions.

Resolution was written on his face.

He greeted me with a smile which strangely lighted his grim face.
"We have good news of some kind this morning, sir ?" I inquired.
In answer, he motioned me to a document which lay open upon his table.
It was familiar enough to me.

I glanced at the bottom.