Martin (_scornfully_). This looks a ruined house, and you look badly fed and all with your wine, and your servants, and your money to build another factory. To hell with your eight shillings! We want ten. John. And we want cent, per cent, profits, my man, only we don't get them. Ephraim (_sternly_). This is no time for jesting, Kelsall. Martin. I wasn't jesting. Ten shillings a week is what we want. Ephraim. Ten is out of the question. Matthew. I've made double ten with my old hand-loom. Where's the good of factories to us if that's what they bring us to? (_Guy rises with his drawings comes round to John and gives it him._) John (_laughing_). Ha! Very good. I didn't know you drew. Guy. I've had practice lately. Drawing plans for my new factory. (_John passes it on to Ephraim._) Ephraim (_glancing at it_). Pssh! (_To men._) Well, that's what you're here for, is it? Ten shillings. Martin. Yes. Ephraim. We offer eight. Martin. Then I warn you there'll be consequences. Guy. We're ready for your consequences. Ephraim. Guy, I've told you to hold your tongue. (_Reasonably._) We've made a big concession, Kelsall. Martin. You'll make a bigger if you want us satisfied. John. We do want you satisfied. We want this valley peaceful and contented. Martin. Then you know what to do. Ephraim. Suppose we talk it over and give you an answer to-morrow? Joe. We've come here for an answer to-night, Mr. Barlow. Ephraim. Very well. Stay here and we'll come back with an answer. Come into the other room, Mr. Heppenstall. (_The men give way sullenly._) Come, Guy. (_Heppenstall passes out, as Ephraim holds door open. Guy catches Ephraim at door._) Guy. Do you want your silver stolen? Ephraim. Guy, I'd trust Matt Butterworth with everything I own. Guy. And the others? Ephraim. Matt will be there. (_Exeunt Guy and Ephraim. Neither thinks of Ruth, who now rises from her chair by fire, crosses, and speaks with Matthew, while the rest appreciate the fire and examine curiously the fire-irons, etc._) Ruth. Father, what are you doing with these men? Matthew. Mind your own business, my lass. Ruth. I am minding it. I'm minding Guy. If anything happens to Guy, I shall hold you responsible. Matthew. Guy has the remedy in his own hands. Ruth. The remedy's in your hands. You have influence with the men. See how they wanted you on their side. They came to you at home before I married. They'll listen to you. Matthew. I've no great influence, Ruth. I'm one of the crowd. Martin Kelsall's the man they listen to. Ruth (_glancing at the three who are now gathered round the drawing Ephraim left on table_). Yes. I'm going to talk to Martin. But not here. I sent him a message to-night. Can you do nothing, father? Matthew. I can do nothing but what's right. Ruth. Violence is never right. Matthew. Oh, yes, it is. Often. I've counselled peace, but there's a time for war, and if the time comes, old as I am, I'll do my share.