"I have been detained on account of business," he remarked as he sat down.

Brooks smiled.

Evidently he knew what was passing in Witherspoon's mind.
"My affairs may be light to some people," Henry said, "but they are heavy enough to me." By looking serious Brooks sought to mollify the effect of his smile.
He had not taken the time to think that in his sly currying of Witherspoon's favor he might be discovered, but now that he was caught he fell back upon the recourse of a bungling compliment.

"Oh, I'm sure," said he, "that your business is most important.

Your paper shows the care and ability with which you preside over it.