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.
GERALD. Well, it's too late now.