“Mr. Stevens,” she said, “where you have so many workmen who will be engaged here regularly for months, would it not be practicable to have a table set for them in the building you are putting up? It would seem so much more fraternal and——” “Human, you would say, madam. Ah! madam, that is the way I ate my dinner for years.” “By ——, it’s a shame!” exclaimed the doctor. The count asked permission of Mr. Stevens to speak to his men; and driving near a group of three seated on a pile of boards, he said, “My friends, I wish to ask you a question—not out of curiosity, believe me, but from a motive which you will approve.” “Go ahead, sir,” said one of the men, tearing off a piece of tough meat with his teeth. “I want you to make me an estimate of the cost, the average cost, as near as you can come at it, of a workingman’s lunch, such as you are eating to-day.” “I think mine, boss, costs about as much as that you give your dog every day,” said a low-browed rough man seated near the group addressed. “Sure would ye spake to a gintleman like that, Mikey? It’s onmannerly in ye, onyhow.” “I’m not offended with Mike. I like his protest. He is not satisfied, and that is the first thing we want when we propose a reform.” Here the intelligence was in some silent, mysterious way communicated from man to man that this black-gloved gentleman was the great capitalist, of whom there were circulating fabulous stories about his untold wealth, and his project of a Social Palace for workingmen. Many of them were incredulous, and suspicious of the intentions of all capitalists; but as the knowledge of the count’s presence spread, many of the men rose and doffed their hats to him and his friends, as they gathered round the carriage. After trying again, the count found the lowest average estimate he could get was ten cents. They agreed that if they could have the same for that amount, they should not bring their kettles. The count and Mr. Stevens talked together in a low tone for some minutes; and then the count, rising in his seat, removed his hat and gloves and commenced to address the workmen. Suddenly every voice was hushed and every eye intently studying the elegant face and form before them: