We can't give in
now.
BREFFITT. Have the Board decided that?
GERALD. They have--on my advice.
BREFFITT. Hm!--then the men will come out.
GERALD. We will see.
BREFFITT. It's trouble for nothing--it's trouble that could be
avoided. The clerks could have their advance, and it would hurt
nobody.
GERALD. Too late now.--I suppose if the men come out, the clerks
will come out with them?
BREFFITT. They'll have to--they'll have to.
GERALD. If they do, we may then make certain alterations in the
office staff which have needed making for some time.
BREFFITT. Very good--very good. I know what you mean.--I don't know
how your father bears all this, Mr. Gerald.
GERALD. We keep it from him as much as possible.--You'll let the
clerks know the decision. And if they stay out with the men, I'll
go over the list of the staff with you. It has needed revising for
a long time.
BREFFITT. I know what you mean--I know what you mean--I believe I
understand the firm's interest in my department. I ought, after
forty years studying it. I've studied the firm's interest for forty
years, Mr. Gerald. I'm not likely to forget them now.
GERALD. Of course.
BREFFITT. But I think it's a mistake--I think it's a mistake, and
I'm bound to say it, to let a great deal of trouble rise for a very
small cause. The clerks might have had what they reasonably asked
her.
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