“Only a drop in the bucket compared with what is to come,” Gorham assured him.  “The people can now save six millions a year on their breakfast cup of coffee, while the Consolidated Companies may conscientiously drop the other six into its own cup by way of sweetening.”

“You don’t really mean that you are going to throw away all that profit?” was the incredulous inquiry.

“I’m not going to ‘throw away’ any of it.”

“I know,” Covington said, quickly; “but six millions is a large sum of money, and one million given to the public by way of lower prices, if properly advertised, would accomplish the purpose just as well.”

Gorham looked at him critically.  “You’re not serious, are you?”

“As serious as you are.”  Covington smiled understandingly.  “This is man to man now, you know; that other talk is a great card for the Companies, as you give it.  Of course it isn’t necessary to give away so large a share of the savings.”

“Not necessary, but just and—­good business,” replied Gorham.  “This is where you and I and the others in the Companies can reap our richest dividends:  we can take the tremendous profits which we are receiving with the gratifying knowledge that every dollar we get is clean, and represents an equal sum saved to the people.  No one of us has made an unfair penny out of the promotion; no one of us has improperly used the information which has come to him while negotiating our consolidations; there is no act of ours, individually or officially, which will not stand the fullest publicity.  What other corporation can make that boast, Covington?  The most baneful influence which corporate power conveys is that it blinds the eyes of those possessing it to all except their own single, selfish purpose; that it dulls their hearts so that every beat takes them farther away from humanity, and that it hardens their hands until they can feel nothing but the gold which they clasp to their breasts.  They have thrived upon special privilege just as we are thriving, but see the difference.  In our hands this weapon, which has previously been turned against the masses, is being made an advantage to them and not a menace, and yet a profitable enterprise for those who wield it.  I tell you, Covington, when this double purpose can no longer be served, the Consolidated Companies must cease to exist.”

“Splendid!” exclaimed his listener, with undisguised admiration.  “This is the first time I have personally had the opportunity of listening to that irresistible appeal which has given the Companies the most remarkable list of stockholders in the world.  But tell me—­how much of that saving are you really going to give back to the public?”

“Your jest is ill timed,” Gorham replied, sternly.  “I do not choose to have even you make light of so serious a subject.  Let us have no more of it.”

Covington retreated behind the inexpressive barrier of his superbly controlled features, but the coldness of his eyes showed his resentment.