He says, M'm, that when a working man's baby is born, it's a toss-up from breath to breath whether it ever draws another, and so on all 'is life; an' when he comes to be old, it's the workhouse or the grave. He says that without a man is very near, and pinches and stints 'imself and 'is children to save, there can't be neither surplus nor security. That's why he wouldn't have no children [she sinks back], not though I wanted them. ENID. Yes, yes, I know! MRS. ROBERTS. No you don't, M'm. You've got your children, and you'll never need to trouble for them. ENID. [Gently.] You oughtn't to be talking so much, Annie. [Then, in spite of herself.] But Roberts was paid a lot of money, was n't he, for discovering that process? MRS. ROBERTS. [On the defensive.] All Roberts's savin's have gone. He 's always looked forward to this strike. He says he's no right to a farthing when the others are suffering. 'T is n't so with all o' them! Some don't seem to care no more than that--so long as they get their own. ENID. I don't see how they can be expected to when they 're suffering like this. [In a changed voice.] But Roberts ought to think of you! It's all terrible----! The kettle's boiling. Shall I make the tea? [She takes the teapot and, seeing tea there, pours water into it.] Won't you have a cup? MRS. ROBERTS. No, thank you, M'm. [She is listening, as though for footsteps.] I'd--sooner you did n't see Roberts, M'm, he gets so wild. ENID. Oh! but I must, Annie; I'll be quite calm, I promise. MRS. ROBERTS. It's life an' death to him, M'm. ENID. [Very gently.] I'll get him to talk to me outside, we won't excite you. MRS. ROBERTS. [Faintly.] No, M'm. [She gives a violent start. ROBERTS has come in, unseen.] ROBERTS. [Removing his hat--with subtle mockery.] Beg pardon for coming in; you're engaged with a lady, I see. ENID. Can I speak to you, Mr. Roberts? ROBERTS. Whom have I the pleasure of addressing, Ma'am? ENID. But surely you know me! I 'm Mrs. Underwood. ROBERTS. [With a bow of malice.] The daughter of our Chairman. ENID. [Earnestly.] I've come on purpose to speak to you; will you come outside a minute? [She looks at MRS. ROBERTS.] ROBERTS. [Hanging up his hat.] I have nothing to say, Ma'am. ENID. But I must speak to you, please. [She moves towards the door.] ROBERTS. [With sudden venom.] I have not the time to listen! MRS. ROBERTS. David! ENID. Mr. Roberts, please! ROBERTS. [Taking off his overcoat.] I am sorry to disoblige a lady --Mr. Anthony's daughter. ENID. [Wavering, then with sudden decision.] Mr. Roberts, I know you've another meeting of the men. [ROBERTS bows.] I came to appeal to you. Please, please, try to come to some compromise; give way a little, if it's only for your own sakes! ROBERTS. [Speaking to himself.] The daughter of Mr. Anthony begs me to give way a little, if it's only for our own sakes!