"Why, I am," answered the young man.

"Very well, then; according to your creed one person is just as good as
another."

"Oh, I don't say that, I don't hold that for a moment. I don't think I
am as good as you, for instance."

"But what I mean is this, that one's occupation does not necessarily
give one a lower station than another. If that is not your belief then
you are not a true American, that is all."

"Well, yes, that is my belief. I will admit I believe all that. What of
it?"

"What of it? There is this of it. You are the junior partner of a large
establishment in New York?"

"Nothing criminal in that, is there?"

"Oh, I don't put it as an accusation, I am merely stating the fact. You
admit the fact, of course?"

"Yes. The fact is admitted, and marked 'Exhibit A,' and placed in
evidence. Now, what next?"

"In the same establishment there was a young woman who sold ribbons to
all comers?"