curiously.

"Gentlemen," said the elder Foote, "this is my son, whom you may not
have met as yet. I wish to present him to you formally, and to tell
you that hereafter he and I share the final authority in this plant.
Decisions coming from this office are to be regarded as our joint
decisions--except in the case of an exception of immediate moment.
... As you know, a fresh and determined effort is afoot to unionize
this plant. My son and I have conferred on the matter, but I have
seen fit to let the decision rest with him-as to our policy and
course of action."

The men looked with renewed curiosity at the young man who stood,
white of face, with compressed lips and troubled eyes.

"My son has rightly determined to adhere to the policy established
many years ago. He has determined that unionism shall not be
permitted to enter Bonbright Foote, Incorporated. ... I state your
sentiments, do I not, my son?"

At the direct challenge Bonbright raised his eyes to his father's
face appealingly. "Father--" he said.

"I state your position?" his father said, sternly.

Against Bonbright's will he felt the accumulated power of the family
will, the family tradition. He had been reared in its shadow. Its
grip lay firm upon him. Struggle he might, but the strength to defy
was not yet in him. ... He surrendered, feeling that, somehow, his
private soul had been violated, his individuality rent from him.