"Yes," she answered, "it is two years." Stooping her head to write upon
a card, her lips moved as if they said something,--something that
seemed like "I must! only once!" but of course that could not be. "It is
my address," she then said, putting the card in his hand. "I shall be
happy to see you in my own home."
"This afternoon?" eagerly.
She hesitated. "Whenever you may call. I thank you again,--and good
morning."
Meanwhile the car had moved on its course: outwardly, peaceful enough;
inwardly, full of commotion. The conservative gentleman, gathering
himself up from his prone estate, white with passion and chagrin, saw
about him everywhere looks of scorn, and smiles of derision and
contempt, and fled incontinently from the sight.
His coal-heaving _confrere_, left to do battle alone, came to the charge
valiant and unterrified. Another outbreak of blasphemy and obscenity
were the weapons of assault; the ladies looked shocked, the gentlemen
indignant and disgusted.
"Friend," called the non-resistant broad-brim, beckoning peremptorily to
the conductor,--"friend, come here."
The conductor came.
"If colored persons are not permitted to ride, I suppose it is equally
against the rules of the company to allow nuisances in their cars. Isn't
it?"
"You are right, sir," assented the conductor, upon whose face a smile of
comprehension began to beam.
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