The Ironmaster

The ironmaster is the well-to-do owner of the local ironworks — impulsive, warm-hearted, but somewhat superficial in his judgement. Coming upon the ragged peddler asleep by his furnace, he mistakes him in the dim light for an old regimental comrade and generously presses him to spend Christmas at his home. His kindness, however, is founded on a mistaken identity and on the pleasure of reviving an old acquaintance; when he discovers his error, his goodwill turns quickly to anger and he wants the stranger gone. He represents a kindness that depends on who a person is thought to …