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　　Margot sees her new coworker, Fred, pouting in the hallway. She approaches him to ask what’s the matter.

　　Margot: Why the long face? Did the cafeteria run out of macaroni and cheese again?

　　Fred: No, it’s the boss. You know those reports I screwed up on? Well, he shouted at me about them.

　　Margot: I’m not surprised. Mr. Sterne is a Capricorn, and Capricorns can’t stand it when a person makes careless mistakes.

　　Fred: So is that it then? Am I going to be in his bad books forever?

　　Margot: Don’t be so intimidated1 by him. I know he comes across asshavingsa heart of stone, but really, he’s nothing but a big softy.

　　Fred: He could’ve fooled me. He’s so gruff2 with me all the time.

　　Margot: Quite frankly, Fred, I don’t blame him. I’ve noticed you goofing off3 on more than one occasion since you started here.

　　Fred: But only after I’ve finished all my work! What am I supposed to do?

　　Margot: Keep busy! Capricorns, and Mr. Sterne in particular, abhor wastefulness.

　　Do you ever see him practicing his golf strokes in the conference room? Fred: No way. That guy never stops working.

　　Margot: And it’s a good thing, too. Otherwise, it would be bedlam4 around here.

　　Fred: You really admire the old goat, don’t you?

　　Margot: And so will you---once you get to know him.---by Sonya Roy