The wisdom of this course soon became apparent, for before many days had passed the workmen were waylaid and fêted, many of the highest in the land thinking it not beneath their dignity to step from their high estate to fraternise with the humblest workman, if by so doing a little information could be obtained which would place them in possession of some of the secrets of the _Regina’s_ power. Astonished almost beyond measure at the sudden interest taken in their welfare, the humble, honest workmen felt that the theory of equality had, at last, resolved itself into definite practice, and that they were now being lifted up into the higher station of their patrons and were fast becoming compeers. Consequently, they, never suspecting duplicity—for what can a mouse know of the patient wiles of a cat till too late—exerted their utmost endeavours to please, and told all they knew with the frankness and innocence characteristic of them, suddenly to find their innocence become their undoing, for the patrons soon perceived that willing as the workmen might be to supply information, they could neither give nor suggest any reason for their work, and all led to confusion. The blind led the blind, and both fell; the rich to withdraw; the honest, well-meaning poor—who are, and will be, always with us—to return to their own level, ignored and discourteously treated by those of the higher grade who had just been so kind and friendly. This need not have occasioned surprise, for an arrogant and insolent manner is the prerogative of the well-to-do, and is useless to a poor man who has no one poorer than himself to practise upon. It is only when the pocket is well lined, and the conscience is seared almost to extinction by countless corrosive stains, that one can afford to be oblivious to everything except personal interests. A good maxim to follow is to “Be good and you’ll be happy. Another thing is sure, More certain than the happiness— Be good and you’ll be poor.” This is probably why the poor, who have so little comfort here, “inherit” the Kingdom of Heaven, but to the rich it is hard to find entrance, which can only be gained by the loving, voluntary sacrifice of everything, to give to the poor. This is a hard lesson, and more often than not causes a denial and a clinging to the riches as they are gripped all the closer—the poor remain poor and the rich hang the head, for the moment sorrowing that the peace of the poor is refused them, for they have great possessions.