fosorawa

Andrew answered all the technical questions in a very knowledgeable manner. He had always been very clever. The best tutor in the school as far as scientific ability went. But as the interview wore on, I realised that Andrew had no idea how to ingratiate himself, especially with the men. It was obvious to me that they wanted him to ask them more about their work, and to stroke their egos. They were no different after all from the bosses where I worked.

When one of them mentioned a minor administrative initiative he had made, he paused so that Andrew could tell us how clever he was. Andrew did not get the hint at all. If I did not know better I would have said he was a remarkably stupid man.

"That sounds wonderful what you've done, Mr. Brown," I chipped in. "I'm sure Andrew appreciates it too." I surreptitiously poked Andrew in the side.
s naivety had made him less than perfect, but also more human, and more accessible to someone like me. "Where are you taking me?" I asked.