Constance [imploringly] Oh, Monsieur Féliat, you won't send us away, will you?
Berthe. We do want the work so, Monsieur.
Constance. It's God's truth we do.
Féliat. I'll do everything possible on my side, but it all depends on yourselves and the men. Try to come to some understanding.
Constance. Yes, Monsieur.
Berthe [lowering her voice] If you can't pay us quite as much for the mending, we don't mind taking a little less. You'd keep it dark, wouldn't you?
Féliat. We'll see about it.
Girard, Charpin, Deschaume, and Vincent come in.
Workmen [very civil and speaking together] Good-morning, ladies and gents.
Féliat. Has my brother explained to you why he asked you to meet the representatives of the Women's Union and to try to come to an understanding with them?