But her sensible argument was wasted on the men, who already had their opinions formed, and were not likely to change them readily at a word.
"Women have no place in business," Schmidt reiterated, heavily. "We have proved that. Now, Mr. Hamilton, you just keep your wife to yourself. We don't want her meddling around in our concerns. And we'll keep our wives to ourselves. They don't want you!" he added significantly; and McMahon and Ferguson endorsed the sentiment by vigorous nods of assent. "So," the German concluded, "we will settle this strike ourselves, like men, without any more woman's interference. Am I right?"
"That's exactly what I want you to do," Hamilton replied. "And any time you want to come back with the cut, let me know."
"I hope you won't hold your breath while you're waiting," the Irishman advised grimly.
"And I hope you won't be hungry," Hamilton retorted.
With this exchange of civilities, the meeting between the men and their former employer came to an abrupt end. Without any further farewells than a series of curt nods, the men filed from the room.
"I'm thinking that it's a pleasant talk we'll be having together, this night," Mrs. McMahon remarked judicially, after the departure of the committee. "So, it's thinking I am that we'd better start early, and then we'll have time a plenty to thrash it out with the boys. Good-by, Mrs. Hamilton.... And please to remember that the next meeting of the club is to be on the Thursday."
"I'll surely be there," Cicily promised.
The adieux were quickly spoken, and the women took their departure, leaving husband and wife alone together, standing silently.