Girard. We're going off to meet the delegates at the Hotel de la Poste; you can send your answer there. The Parisian goes out sharp now, or else look out for trouble. Come on, boys, let's go and tell the others. There's nothing more to do here.
Féliat. But stop, listen—
Charpin [to Féliat] That's our last word. [To the others] Hurry on.
The workmen go out. Thérèse has come in a moment before and is standing on the threshold.
Féliat [to Thérèse] How much did you hear?
Thérèse. Oh, please, please, don't give in. Don't abandon these women. It's dreadful in the workroom. They're in despair. I've just been with them, talking to them. They get desperate when they think of their children.
Féliat. The men are not asking me now to get rid of them. What they're asking for is the break-up of your Union, and that you yourself should go.
Thérèse. Oh, they say that now. But if you give in, they'll see that they can get anything they like from your weakness, and they'll make you turn out all these wretched women.
Féliat. But I can't help myself! You didn't hear the brutal threats of these men. If I don't give in, I shall be blacklisted, and they'll set the place on fire; they said so. Where will your women's work be then? And I shall be ruined.
Thérèse. Then you mean to give in without a struggle?