Féliat. Would you like to take the responsibility for what will happen if I resist? There'll be violence. Just think what it'll mean. In the state the men are in anything may happen. There's a wounded man already. How many would there be to-morrow?
Thérèse. You think only of being beaten. But suppose you win? Suppose you act energetically and get the best of it.
Féliat. My energy would be my ruin.
Thérèse [with a change of tone] Then you wish me to go?
Féliat. I have only made up my mind to it to prevent something worse.
Thérèse [very much moved] It's impossible you can sacrifice me in this way at the first threat. Look here, Monsieur Féliat; perhaps it doesn't come very well from me, but I can't help reminding you that you've said repeatedly yourself that I've been extremely useful to you. Don't throw me overboard without making one try to save me.
Féliat. It would be no use.
Thérèse. How can you tell? It's your own interest to keep me. The delegate said that if I go they'll break up the Women's Union and make the women take the same wages as the men.
Féliat. They won't do that because they know I wouldn't keep them.
Thérèse. You see! If you give in, it means the break-up of the whole thing and the loss to you of the saving I've made for you. And you have obligations to these women who have been working for you for years.