I don't think he meant it so. His heart's out there, though, that's as plain as day. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. Harry, if these shouts mean a final step, A closing up of things which if once closed Will render of no use any labor of ours, I beg of you to call this meeting off, At least until we see what we can do. RALPH ARDSLEY. Postpone it, Harry, say till Monday morning. You know yourself how dangerous it is To wake men's hopes to a wild dream of power. They're never afterwards content with less Than that wild something that could never be. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. Yes, brother, let the Lord's day with its peace Breathe on this quarrel. Why do you say too late? HARRY EGERTON. (_Who has come forward_) Because it's up there, Bishop, it's up there Above mere bread. RALPH ARDSLEY. What does he mean by that? BISHOP HARDBROOKE. I trust, my brother, that it is up there. RALPH ARDSLEY. We don't just see what it is you are trying to do. HARRY EGERTON. The statement I gave out last Saturday---- RALPH ARDSLEY. That was a week ago. HARRY EGERTON. Yes. RALPH ARDSLEY. And since then Reports have come out that there's a move on foot To organize--I know not what to call it---- HARRY EGERTON. A Commonwealth of Workers. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. Then it's true! RALPH ARDSLEY. Your purpose then is to retain the mill? BISHOP HARDBROOKE. Purchase it? HARRY EGERTON. I don't know. We'll do what's fair. We've had to think first of supplying bread. That's left but little time for other things. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. But if the Company shouldn't choose to sell? HARRY EGERTON. That is with them. RALPH ARDSLEY. You mean you'll still hold on? HARRY EGERTON. That will be my advice, yes. RALPH ARDSLEY. But the Law. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. 'Thou shalt not steal.' (_Harry Egerton walks rear and listens_) RALPH ARDSLEY. Doesn't that beat the world! BISHOP HARDBROOKE. It's his association with these roughs. RALPH ARDSLEY. And they'll never dare lay hands upon them, Bishop. I tell you the Commonwealth's afraid to move. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. Has God no place in business, my young brother? HARRY EGERTON. (_Returning_) Yes, Bishop Hardbrooke, and it's very strange You've never thought of that until to-day. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. A hidden meaning couched in that, I think. HARRY EGERTON. This is the first time you've been in this mill Or near these workingmen in all these years. And now you come to plead my father's cause. BISHOP HARDBROOKE. I come for peace. HARRY EGERTON. Then why not weeks ago When there was strife? You heard the cry of the poor For six weeks, Bishop, and you never came. Why wait until the starving time is past? BISHOP HARDBROOKE.