Is it because the earnings have increased? Think what it's cost you, father. In every mill Jergens has touched he's left a cursing there That's all come back on us. Why, my father, Our name's become a by-word through the State, 'As hard as Egerton.' And when I think Of what might be, the good-will and the peace, The happiness! There's not the least excuse For this cut in wages, father, and you know it. EGERTON. Um! HARRY EGERTON. You can't help but know it. You've the books; You know what you've been making. But that aside: To come to what I would say: You've won this strike. You have the men in your power and you can say, 'Go back,' and they'll go back. But you won't do it. EGERTON. Won't I? HARRY EGERTON. Will you, when you know you're wrong? When you know you're losing friends who love what's right? Think of the sentiment against you, father. No, father, you don't know what's going on. EGERTON. It seems I don't. HARRY EGERTON. If you knew how they live And the hard time they have to get along. It isn't fair, my father, it isn't fair. GLADYS EGERTON. (_In tears, to her mother_) Yes, you don't care. HARRY EGERTON. Father, you love this land. There's never been a day in all your life, If there'd been war, you wouldn't have closed the mill And gone and died upon the field of battle If the country had called to you in her need. And I can see you how you'd scorn the man, If he were serving as a General, Who'd keep his rank and file as poorly fed And ragged as he could. (_The telephone bell rings_) GLADYS EGERTON. They're calling up To know about it! GEORGE EGERTON. (_Starts for the room, then stops_) What shall I tell them, father? GLADYS EGERTON. O have them come back, papa, have them come back! EGERTON. (_Keeping his eye on Harry_) Tell them what you please. (_George goes out_) HARRY EGERTON. Father, buy Jergens out. GLADYS EGERTON. (_Calling into the room_) Tell them it's all right, brother, that it's nothing. HARRY EGERTON. Give him his price and let him go his way---- EGERTON. (_Calling toward the room_) A misunderstanding. HARRY EGERTON. And let me run the mill. And let us see, my father, you and I, If we can't make that place of work down there As famous for its harmony as this house. A land is not its timber but its people, And not its Art, my father, but its men. Let's try to make this town a place of peace And helpfulness. What do you say, my father? EGERTON. And that's your life work! (_Gladys goes into the room_) MRS. EGERTON. (_Approaching him_) Donald---- EGERTON. Go away. MRS. EGERTON. You've asked me why it is I cannot sleep. It's that, Donald, it's that! Give him the mill. They're human beings, Donald, like ourselves. EGERTON.