I
should find an ample reward in the moral tone and material
happiness of this community; but really viewing it in a
pecuniary point of view, the investment of capital has been
one of the most profitable I ever made; and I would not, I
assure you. for double its amount, exchange my workpeople for
the promiscuous assemblage engaged in other factories."
"The influence of the atmosphere on the condition of the
labourer is a subject which deserves investigation," said Lady
Joan to Mr Jermyn, who stared and bowed.
"And you do not feel alarmed at having a person of such
violent opinions as your inspector at the head of your
establishment," said Lady Firebrace to Mr Trafford, who smiled
a negative.
"What is the name of the intelligent individual who
accompanied us?" enquired Lord de Mowbray.
"His name is Gerard," said Mr Trafford.
"I believe a common name in these parts," said Lord de Mowbray
looking a little confused.
"Not very," said Mr Trafford; "'tis an old name and the stock
has spread; but all Gerards claim a common lineage I believe,
and my inspector has gentle blood, they say, in his veins."
"He looks as if he had," said Lady Maud.
"All persons with good names affect good blood," said Lord de
Mowbray; and then turning to Mrs Trafford he overwhelmed her
with elaborate courtesies of phrase; praised everything again;
first generally and then in detail; the factory, which he
seemed to prefer to his castle--the house, which he seemed to
prefer even to the factory--the gardens, from which he
anticipated even greater gratification than from the house.
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