At the direct challenge Bonbright raised his eyes to his father's face appealingly. "Father—" he said.
"I state your position?" his father said, sternly.
Against Bonbright's will he felt the accumulated power of the family will, the family tradition. He had been reared in its shadow. Its grip lay firm upon him. Struggle he might, but the strength to defy was not yet in him…. He surrendered, feeling that, somehow, his private soul had been violated, his individuality rent from him.
"Yes," he said, faintly.
"The first step he has decided upon," said his father, "and one which should be immediately repressive. It is to post in every room and department of the shops printed notices to the effect that any man who affiliates himself with organized labor, or who becomes a member of a so-called trade-union, will be summarily dismissed from his employment…. That was the wording you suggested, was it not?"
"Yes," said Bonbright, this time without struggle.
"Rangar," said Mr. Foote, "my son directs that these cards be printed
AT ONCE, and put in place before noon. It can be done, can it not?"
"Yes, sir," said Rangar.
"I think that is all, gentlemen…. You understand my son's position, I believe, so that if anyone questions you can answer him effectively?"
The department heads stirred uneasily. Some turned toward the door, but one man cleared his throat.