The Capitalist, whose courteous and bland
demeanor would never have suggested the thought that he was a robber and
an enemy of his race, who was to be trampled underfoot by the beneficent
regenerators of the social order as preliminary to the universal reign of
peace on earth and good-will to men, astonished us all with a proposal to
escort the three ladies and procure a carriage for their conveyance. The
Lady thanked him in a very cordial way, but said she thought nothing of
the walk. The Landlady looked disappointed at this answer. For her part
she was on her legs all day and should be glad enough to ride, if so be
he was going to have a carriage at any rate. It would be a sight
pleasanter than to trudge afoot, but she would n't have him go to the
expense on her account. Don't mention it, madam,--r--said the
Capitalist, in a generous glow of enthusiasm. As for the Young Girl, she
did not often get a chance for a drive, and liked the idea of it for its
own sake, as children do, and she insisted that the Lady should go in the
carriage with her. So it was settled that the Capitalist should take the
three ladies in a carriage, and the rest of us go on foot.
The evening behaved as it was bound to do on so momentous an occasion.
The Capitalist was dressed with almost suspicious nicety.
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