"Men fail to recognize their common humanity with those under them. That has been the basis of our management from the beginning. But the chapel, and the religious influence, are of later date.—I must find a ring for this finger, Rotha."
"A ring!" exclaimed the girl.
"Yes. Is not that the custom here? to make people remember what they have pledged themselves to?—" he said smiling.
"Oh never mind that, Mr. Southwode!" said Rotha hurriedly. "Go on and tell me more about your mill people."
"What shall I tell you?"
"About your ways,—and their ways. When do they have dinner?"
"Between one and two. They have an hour for it. A little after half past one they go to work again and work till six; only they have time allowed them for tea and coffee at half past four."
"There is no drinking, I suppose?"
"Not even of beer. Half the people do their work at their own homes; they bring it in on certain days, when we give them hot tea and coffee and bread and cheese, which they have without paying for it. That saves them from the temptation of the public houses; and there is no such thing as drunkenness known in the community."
"Tea and coffee seem to play a great part," said Rotha.