"Ah, you must have that out with the Government," she said coolly. "It's got nothing to do with me."
"Government!" cried Alf sharply. "What's the Government got to do with it."
"They're passin some law to protect the women and children of them that's joined up," Ruth answered.
"Who said so?"
"The Colonel."
"Anyway it's not passed yet."
"No," retorted Ruth. "So you'd best wait till it is. Make you look a bit funny like to turn me out, and put some one else in, and then have to turn them out and put me back again, say in a fortnight, and all out o your own pocket. Not to talk o the bit of feeling, and them and me taking damages off o you as like as not, I should say."
That evening Ruth went up to see Mr. Pigott.
The Manager said he would pay her half Ern's wages while the war lasted; and he paid her the first instalment then and there.
"Will the Government do anything for the women and children sir?" she asked.