“My girls will never work with those people, I am sure,” remarked the foreman of the work-rooms.  “You have no idea what sticklers they are for caste.  Why, as poor as they are, they turn up their noses at those beneath them!”

Mr. Denton smiled grimly at this information.

“They share that failing with the whole human family,” he said, slowly.  “Only a few are exempt from this feeling of scorn; they are the few who have learned to love their fellow-beings, however,” he went on more cheerfully, “we who have set them this example of thoughtlessness and neglect must try to undo what we have done by patient precept and example.”

His hearers stared at him, but they were too polite to reply.  It was their opinion that the man had suddenly became deranged.  They did not doubt for a moment that they would go on as usual.

After a few more arguments as to the impracticability of his suggestions, the men dispersed, casting meaning glances at each other.

Once beyond his hearing, they talked the startling situation over.  Not one of them had ever heard of a similar occurrence.

Mr. Denton went back to his office to think a little.  When he reached it he found Mr. Day pacing the floor as he waited for him.

“So your decision is final,” he bellowed, as Mr. Denton entered.  “You have fully decided to make a fool of yourself and wreck the firm, and all because you have not head enough to keep your religion out of business!”

Mr. Denton’s face flushed, but he spoke as calmly as ever.

“If religion is needed anywhere, it is needed in business,” he said quietly.  “If I am a fool at all it is because I did not find it out sooner.”

“Very well, then,” roared Mr. Day.  “I refuse to submit to such nonsense!  Furthermore, as Mr. Forbes will not hear of dissolution, I shall expect you and him to buy me out at once!  I will sell my right, title and interest for one hundred thousand dollars.”

“But that is four times what you put in,” said Mr. Denton, quickly, “and as you have already been paid a large interest on your investment, your price is exorbitant; are you too angry to see it?”

“I should have gotten that out of it before the expiration of the partnership.  It is that figure or nothing,” said Mr. Day, doggedly, “and, mind, I will fight against dissolution, tooth and nail, Mr. Denton.  I would be as mad as you are if I did not do so!”

“Then I will pay you that amount at once, Mr. Day,” said the gentleman.  “I will give you a check on my personal bank account and acquire your interest as a private investment.  Your price is too exorbitant to permit my purchasing it for the firm, but we will attend to the details when Mr. Forbes is present.”

CHAPTER XXVI.

Some startling changes.

As the days went by the employees of the big department store became gradually aware that something had happened.  The first intimation came from the daily papers, in which was given a more or less truthful account of Mr. Day’s withdrawal from the firm on the grounds that he disapproved of his senior partner’s new business methods.