"The—girls? In the spinning room?"
"Everywhere; all of them. They are so clean, so jolly, and—think! They are actually earning money."
"Of course; else they wouldn't be here. Does it strike you oddly that a girl should earn her own living?"
"I think it's grand."
"Hmm. You caught but a fleeting glimpse of them. There's a deal of reality in their lives, poor things."
"Why! Are you sorry for them?"
"No,—and yes. They haven't much leisure, and I dare say that you are an object of envy to every mill girl who has seen you to-day."
"Oh! I hope not. I liked them so. It seems so fine to really earn some of the money which everybody needs so much, just by standing before one of those 'jennies' and doing what little they did. They laughed often, as if they were glad. Nobody looked sorrowful, so I don't see why you pity them."
"It may be misplaced, for, after all, they are happy in their way. I do not think it is always the best way; still—Why, here's 'Bony.' Well, young man, what mischief's up now? Do you march again to-night?"
"No. I'm going with her."