"You are doubtless aware that all the railroads have been complaining about bad business, owing to increased wages on the one side and governmental regulation of rates on the other. That's the way the officers explain it; but the truth is, the roads have been abominably mismanaged."
"Yes, I have vaguely heard something about bad business," said Mrs. De Peyster with a bored air. "But what does all this lead to?"
"I am trying to lead you gently, Mrs. De Peyster, to realize the possibility that, in view of its alleged bad business, the New York and New England might decide to pass dividends for this quarter."
Mrs. De Peyster started forward. "Do you mean to say, Judge Harvey, that such a possibility exists?"
"It's rather more than a possibility."
"More than a possibility?"
"Yes. In fact, it's a—a fact."
"A fact?"
"I have just come from the meeting of the directors. They have voted to pay no dividends."
"No dividends!" Mrs. De Peyster gazed stupefied into the face of Judge Harvey. "No dividends! Then—then—my income?"