A man encounters his friend Orrington on his way for a drink, and Orrington invites him to join his conversation with a pretentious writer named Reynolds. Orrington is a publisher, and he must provoke Reynolds into producing his latest manuscript - or at least an estimated date of delivery. As they converse, Orrington speaks of a young man he just helped get his first job in the industry, and the potential for that man to grow into a talented writer. Reynolds interjects, claiming it isn't fair to other writers like himself to grant opportunities when they aren't earned. Orrington then launches into a story of a young man he sacrificed his article-writing job to many years ago, who never thanked him or even acknowledged him again afterwards. Reynolds, rises, offended, and confesses the man is himself. Although he regrets never acknowledging Orrington's kindness, he berates Orrington and minimizes his generosity. Finally, he storms out. Orrington thanks his friend for accompanying him and expresses how afraid he was of the confrontation after so many years of hurt silence.