Nevertheless, she maintained her interest in the great combination against Ellis, could not fail to maintain it, for soon came the strike. It was an orderly strike and a good-natured public; people were saying cheerfully that the cars would be running again in a week, when Mr. Mather was president; but believing that no one could be sure of that, and ignorant of her own deep influence, Judith wished for the fiftieth time that she could learn how matters stood. The vagueness and uncertainty were wearing her.
And at last came the information. At the supper table, on the evening of the strike, Pease seemed as untroubled as usual, and as genial. Miss Cynthia broke in upon his calm.
"Peveril," she demanded, "what do the men hope to gain by striking now?"
"To-morrow," he explained, "the transfer books close. Only to-morrow's holders of stock can vote at the meeting a week hence."
"Oh," she said, "I see. The men hope to scare some of Ellis's supporters into selling out."
He nodded. "The men have very clever leaders."
"And will this help you?"
"I hope so."
She followed up the indirect admission. "Then you need help?"