Chapter 38: Dolly and a Real Gentleman begins in the heart of winter, when icy roads and biting winds make every journey more difficult. Horses strain to keep their footing as heavy carts slide over slick cobblestones, and drivers spend long hours in the cold with little shelter or warmth. Many go without food for stretches, hoping a fare will appear before the day ends. Jerry, though facing the same weather and work, is buffered by the steady support of his family. Polly prepares warm meals, and young Dolly delivers them faithfully, bringing not just food but cheer to the cab stand. Her presence is a comfort to many, not just to her father. In a city often indifferent to the working poor, Dolly’s simple routine becomes an act of resistance—proof that warmth and care can survive even the harshest conditions. Her smile and thoughtfulness lift spirits in places where hope is often in short supply.

One particularly blustery afternoon, Dolly arrives with her father’s meal, her cheeks flushed from the cold wind. As she hands Jerry his food, a well-dressed gentleman already seated in the cab observes quietly. Instead of complaining about the wait, he insists Jerry take his time and enjoy the meal. He even offers Dolly a coin, not as a bribe or obligation, but as a gesture of appreciation. This kindness stands out in contrast to the usual hurried or dismissive behavior cabmen often face. What makes it more meaningful is that the gentleman seems genuinely concerned, not only for Jerry’s health but also for the well-being of Black Beauty, the horse who pulls the cab. Unlike most passengers, who treat horses as part of the vehicle, this man sees Beauty as a living creature with needs and feelings. His respect for both driver and horse is rare and deeply valued.

Not long after, this same gentleman witnesses a troubling scene: a carter whipping his team mercilessly in the middle of the street. Without hesitation, he steps in, demanding the abuse stop and threatening to report the carter to authorities. His firm tone and steady gaze make it clear he will not tolerate cruelty, even if it draws unwanted attention. People nearby pause, unsure whether to support or walk away, but the gentleman’s stance emboldens others to take notice. The carter, shamed and scowling, pulls back, mumbling excuses as the moment passes. Jerry watches from his cab, quietly grateful to see someone with influence choosing to use it for good. Later, the gentleman discusses the incident with Jerry, pointing out that silence allows cruelty to thrive. He believes that speaking up, even in small situations, can create a ripple that reaches much further than we know.

This chapter emphasizes not just how weather and work test the endurance of the poor, but how small acts of kindness can create warmth in a cold world. Dolly’s meals, the gentleman’s patience, and his willingness to stand against abuse form a thread of compassion that weaves through an otherwise difficult day. Jerry, whose job depends on long hours and constant strain, finds relief not just in food or warmth, but in being treated with dignity. The kindness shown to him—and to Beauty—is not grand or dramatic. It is thoughtful, simple, and deeply human. In a society that often places efficiency and wealth above empathy, these small gestures matter more than they appear. They remind both the reader and the characters that goodness still exists, even if it’s not always loud.

This message resonates far beyond the pages of Black Beauty. Today, essential workers and service providers often endure similar neglect—long hours, poor conditions, and little recognition. Yet, as this story illustrates, the presence of one thoughtful person can alter the tone of an entire day. The gentleman’s defense of the horses reflects growing awareness of animal welfare during the time of the book’s writing, as England began to establish more legal protections for animals. But Sewell’s point reaches further—it’s not enough to care quietly. True compassion acts when it’s least convenient, and it stands up when others stay silent. In a world full of hardship, both people and animals benefit from those who choose to treat others with respect and kindness, no matter their station in life.