Have you asked yourself what the body of the shareholders are likely to think ?" "It's fairly obvious.

They'll consider it a misfortune that I was knocked over shortly before a critical time; possibly they'll attribute everything unsatisfactory in the company's affairs to my not being in charge." One of the visitors glanced meaningly at his companion.

There was truth in what Lansing said.

The angry shareholders would not discriminate carefully; they would blame the present directors, who would have to face a serious loss while Lansing had made a profit.

It was a galling situation; and what made it worse was that Lansing's expression hinted that he found it somewhat humorous.
"The fact that you sold out so soon before the fall will have its significance," said the first man.