'How do you know?' asked Nancy.

'I saw it stated in a paper. That helps one to _grasp_ the
difference between civilisation and barbarism. One doesn't think
clearly enough of common things. Now that's one of the benefits one
gets from Carlyle. Carlyle teaches one to see the marvellous in
everyday life. Of course in many things I don't agree with him, but
I shall never lose an opportunity of expressing my gratitude to
Carlyle. Carlyle and Gurty! Yes, Carlyle and Gurty; those two
authors are an education in themselves.'

He uttered a long 'Ah!' and moved his lips as if savouring a
delicious morsel.

'Now here's an interesting thing. If all the cabs in London were put
end to end,'--he paused between the words, gravely,--'what do
you think, Miss. Morgan, would be the total length?'

'Oh, I have no idea, Mr. Barmby.'

'Forty miles--positively! Forty miles of cabs!'

'How do you know?' asked Nancy.

'I saw it stated in a paper.'

The girls glanced at each other, and smiled. Barmby beamed upon them
with the benevolence of a man who knew his advantages, personal and
social.