St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-12-18
A PROUD WOMAN.


here it was no uncommon thing. For years
there had been no children's voices, no dan
cling feet, no cheer nor hospitality in the
gray old mansion. Lytton Hall was dead
letter to the outside world, and its naughty
owner was almost stranger 10 her own
townspeople.
This woman-sole mistress Of the Lytton
estate and the last Of her name and race
stood in her rich though faded parlor aud
looked out upon a colorless February day.
She was a graceful, handsome woman,
with face which would have been beautiful
had it not grown cold and mirthless in the
years she had lived alone in that silent
house, She was tWenty-seVen years old and
unmarried.
! She was expecting a visit from the super
intsndent Of the TreadWell Mills. She owned
the buildings, and had sent Tor this man to
come and confer with her. She observed
with naughty displeasure that he did not
come until long after the hour appointed.
The LyttOns had been an extrayagant race.
and the last generation or two had found Il
difficult to sustain the family pride upon
ruined estate. Miss Lytton's f1ter had been
compelled to 20 into trade, and had bought
eel some OF the debts left him by his improv-
ident forefathers. When be died he left his
mills heavily encountered, but they were do
ing sufficient work 10 be made profitable In
few years, II judiciously managed. Miss
Lytton had advertised for a superintendent,
and had chosen Gerard Lincoln from a score
Of applicants.
Why she had done so It would be difficult
TO divine, since she appeared 20 dislike him.
She had known him in childhood and had
/ played at marbles with him as ardently as
though she were not patrician. When they
were boy and girl their intimacy bad con-
tinued. He had helped her with her Latin
lessons and assisted with her sums. He was
doing them now though in 4 different capac-
ity. Nothing was ever spoken concerning
those old days OF his prosperity, when he
had been able TO meet her upon an equal So
cial footing; and she now treated him a shade
more imp9riously than any other Of her en-
ployes.
Ii would have been difficult 10 imagine
Gerard Lincoln subserviant 10 any one. He
was man Of thirty-dve years, with a bear
ing as proud, though not as arrogant as her
own. he was strong man, physically as
well as mentally. and had physique which
mill-hand invariably respected. His face
bore evidence Of his decision OF character.
and was forceful face. He was shrewd
judge of human nature, and knew the men
in his charge thoroughly. He was = just man
and one who exacted obedience.
Had Miss Lytton been Ike other people
she would have felt graciously towards this
superintendent; her interests had prospered
under his wise management.
He was a man OF liberal culture and inner
ent refinement; nevertheless she told herself
hundred times day that be was insuifer-
able. She was certain her estimate Of him
was correct when he entered her parlor three
hours after she had sent for him.
She did not offer him chair when he en-
tered her parlor; she remained standing
while he briefly told her that he had been de-
tanned at the mills by committee from the
strikers.
Then he strolled over TO the fireplace and
quietly warmed his hands. while she waited
for him TO resume his account He knew
she was impatient for information, but he
would give her none unless she asked for
it,
81 am waiting to hear Of this committee, :"
she said, controlling her temper by an effort.
Il beg you will tell me, in as few words as
possible, what is the present condition of my
aiTairs.''
He replied without changing his position
or appearing aware OF her offended dignity.
'The mill-hands struck at noon to-day;
the machinery is stopped. The men de-
maud an increase of 10 per cent, in their
wages, and refuse 10 resume work before II
is granted. These are the bare facts in as
few words as | can reduce them"
She began pacing the long room, drawing
light shawl about her, as If becoming sud
denly cold.
''This business is more serious than I at
first supposed" she said at length. 'sTen
me the particulars"
They were facing each other now, and he
watched the effect Of his words.
Il understand that you have been severe
ly criticised by trades-union. Its members
are enemies OF the aristocracy, and call such
people as you and your ancestors tyrants. II
you refuse TO grant the workmen's demand
they propose tearing out the machinery of
your mills, or burning them 10 the ground.
She gave contemptuous little shrug.
''If they will burn the mills they will kin
their goose Of the golden egg" she said. 'sBy
destroying my property they will lose their
only means Of support"
"There was once dog in a manger," he
said dryly. "These people have some of that
animals selfishness; they do not wish 10
keep their position at your terms, but they are
unwilling TO see others in their places. -
''What would you advise me 70 dot" she
inquired"
1t was the first time she had ever directly
asked his advice.
''If You were a man." he said, sT would
tell you TO resist the strikers 10 the death. II
you grant what they ask you will barely earn
your daily expenses, and can do nothing to-
wards paying your mortgages, You have
paid just wages, aud as much as you can af-
ford. There are hundreds OF honest men
who would be thankful for the work at your
terms"
Then we must employ new men,"
but you are woman" be continued,
land your course must therefore be different
1t would be hazardous for you TO contend
against four hundred desperate angry men;
it would be better TO compromise, or even
bear the entire loss, than TO live here in dan
ger OF having your property destroyed, and
possibly with your life imperilled."
She allowed the shawl to Slip from her
shoulders to the floor, where IL lay unheeded
at her feet. Her face, in its proud calm,
would have been n study for sculptor.
at is my wish that the business should be
carried on exactly as though nv father were
living" she said. 81 will not condesceud To
compromise with these outlaws; am not
afraid, and they may burn the mills-yes,
and this house also-before will yield an
inch. Employ new men at once. Their
presence in the mill viii be my only answer
10 the strikers"
Your method is courageous" he said,
shut i'm polite"
She interrupted him by gesture"
II have decided,r she told him. ssNo
argument can alter my determination
he drew on his glove preparatory to leay-
ing.
''sinee your decision is final I viii carry it