He turned, deferentially, to his employer--that great man having solicited his attention with the words, "Hark to him, Adeler!" "I did not quite catch Mr. Sheard's remark," said Adeler. "I merely invited Mr. Rohscheimer to observe the scene upon his right," explained Sheard. The others turned their eyes in that direction. Through a screen of palm leaves the rose-shaded table lights, sparkling silver, and snowy covers of the supper room were visible. Here a high-light gleamed upon a bare shoulder; there, a stalwart male back showed, blocked out in bold black upon the bright canvas. Waiters flitted noiselessly about. The drone of that vocal orchestra filled the place: the masculine conversation, the brass and wood-wind--the sweeter tones of women, the violins; their laughter, tremolo passages. "I'm observing it," growled Rohscheimer. "Nobody in particular there." "There is comfort, luxury, there," said Sheard. The financier stared, uncomprehensively. "Now look out yonder," continued the other. It was a different prospect whereto he directed their eyes. The diminuendo of the Embankment lamps, the steely glitter of the waters beyond, the looming bulk of the bridge, the silhouette shape of the On monolith; these things lay below them, dimly to be seen from the brilliant room. Within was warmth, light, and gladness; without, a cold place of shadows, limned in the grey of discontent and the black of want and desolation. "Every seat there," continued Sheard, as the company gazed vaguely from the window, "has its burden of hopelessness and misery. Ranks of homeless wretches form up in the arch yonder, awaiting the arrival of the Salvation Army officials. Where, in the whole world, can misery in bulk be found thus side by side with all that wealth can procure?" There was a brief silence. Sheard was on his hobbyhorse, and there were few there disposed to follow him. The views of the _Gleaner_ are not everybody's money. "What sort of gas are you handing us out?" asked Rohscheimer. "Those lazy scamps don't deserve any comfort; they never worked to get it! The people here are moneyed people." "Just so!" interrupted Sheard, taking up the challenge with true _Gleaner_ ardour. "Moneyed people! That's the whole distinction in two words!" "Well, then--what about it?" "This--that if every guest now in the hotel would write a cheque for an amount representing 1 per cent. of his weekly income, every man, woman, and child under the arch yonder would be provided with board and lodging for the next six months!" "Why do it?" demanded Rohscheimer, not unreasonably. "Why feed 'em up on idleness?" "Their idleness may be compulsory," replied Sheard. "Few would employ a starving man while a well-nourished one was available." "Cut the Socialist twaddle!" directed the other coarsely. "It gets on my nerves! You and your cheques! Who'd you make 'em payable to? Editor of the _Gleaner_."