He merely looked thoughtfully at Sluss; then, by way of testifying to the truthfulness of what he had been saying, thumped the letters up and down, just to show that they were real.
"Yes," said Mr.Sluss, heavily, "I see." He studied the bundle--a small, solid affair--while Cowperwood looked discreetly elsewhere.

He contemplated his own shoes, the floor.

He rubbed his hands and then his knees.
Cowperwood saw how completely he had collapsed.

It was ridiculous, pitiable.
"Come, Mr.Sluss," said Cowperwood, amiably, "cheer up.

Things are not nearly as desperate as you think.