The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-05-31
THE PRMPERTON STRIKE.

THE PEMPERTON STRIKE.
Groups of men with sullen, discon-
tented faces were standing around the
streets engaged in murmurtd colloquy.
The mill bells sounded, A few of the
idlers obeyed; others remained unmov
ed.
A woman appeared and entered the
building.
Scowls darkened some of the faces as
she went by.
Tall and finely formed, her poor dress
scarcely hid the noble carriage of her
head and shoulders. An absent, har
raised look detracted materially from
her beauty.
Why don't you go to work.
The voice was pleasant. the words
peremptory.
The speaker paused ere he, too, enter.
ed.
He was Of good height, with clear cut
face and bright, keen eyes. A rare
smile gave gentleness to an otherwise
stern countenanee, His general appear
ance bespoke the master,
Later a man entered the office.
Ross Gilbert looked up, ill pleased at
the interruption. The intruder seemed
uneasy and his voice was a little bit
husky,
Me and the men want you to dis
charge that young woman, boss. It's
mans place; we amt willin' to have
women folks around.
The proprietors eyes flashed.
You and the men may go. won't be
dictated to. Tell them to attend to their
own business, Roberts, and I'll attend to
mine. Bullying will do no good.
And shutting the desk with snap,h
returned to his writing.
Evidently not prepared with further
argument, the man stood a moment,
then turned away,
No change of countenance betrayed
Mr.. sGilberts consciousness. of black
looks or anything special during the
day. But at home keener eyes watched
him.
Ross, what's the matter? asked his
wife.
She was fair woman with soft, bright
hair, rounded figure, delicately moulded
features and dark blue eyes, animated
and expressive. Some modern difficulty
with the sight caused her to wear glass
es, which added a penetrating quality
to her glance,
How do you know anything is the
natter
His look softened as it rested upon
her.
No subterfuges, she cried playfully.
You always feel better to confess.
Well-mischief, and a woman is at
the bottom of it.
I've employed one at the mill and the
men don't approye-a stranger who
came because she heard there was work.
She is satisfactory and | mean to keep
her, that's all.
Isn't it something new to employ wo-
men?
Yes.
hope there won't be trouble, she
said, signing,
Shall give up and send her off?
Certainly not only, dear, in an issue
be gentle.
In the front room of small house a
girl was clearing away the supper, An
older woman, traces of sorrow on her
face, sat near: turning occasionally to
look at her daughter.
You like the work and think you'll
manage it, Eunice!
Yes, if we're to have any luck.
The woman sighed and relapsed into
silence till they were startled by loud
knock.
Eunice opened the door, shrinking
back as she faced group of men.
Good evenin' We called to ask if you
would join the Champions of FIeedom?
It's a society and we expect all what
works with Us to belong.
| don't know anything about it. II
don't want to join anything said the
girl in trembling voice.
You'd find it to your advantage.
I'd rather not, she said.
You won't, then, that's final
No; I'm obliged to you, but l don't
want to join,
Beware! cried voice in the darkness
as they turned away.
Tired and harrassed, Eunice burst in
to tears.
Oh, have we come away from one
trouble just to get into something worseI
Id better have done as they wished. At
least l should have found out some.
thing, 4
You're done out. You'd better 20 to
bed, the elder woman said but there was
tenderness in the touch which smoothed
the girls dark hair.
Eunice returned to work heavy heart.
ed.
Unfriendly glances had followed her
before, but she had been unconscious,
now she had an uneasy sense of being
ostracized.
can't stand it, she said after day or
two, must join their society. I'll never
get on unless do.
Act as you think best, the mother re-
piled.
Meanwhile the simmering discomfort
had been taking shape.
Numerous meetings were held and
course of action decided; when the girl
applied she was refused,
A stranger in the place, she and her
mother had held aloof in a manner to
give offence.
Mr.. Gilbert, too, was new conner.
his manner of conducting affairs differ
ed from his predecessors tho'prompt IN
payment, he was strict as to hours, etc.,
and had not gained popularity,
Once more the boss's calculations were
interrupted by deputation.
We've come to give notice that unless
the wages is riz and that girl discharged
we quit.
Iii do neither, and you know it, he
thundered.
May be he takes pertickler interest
in the young woman.
There was no installing the insinua
ton of the tone.
Ross sprang to his feet, but OBTAINING
hand was laid on his shoulder.
Gently, sir! The fellows don't know
what a sweet lady you have.
What, Harvey! You in this set of ras
Gals?
Wewont call hard names, sir. I've
done my best to dissuade them, don't
mean to quit,
He was a tall fellow with very fine
face.
Don't make threats, he continued see
ing the other man about to speak, now
when you're angered. if l may make 30
free as to say it. Do nothing that you
will be sorry for by and by.
Thank you, Mr.. Gilbert said quietly.
I've given you my answer, men, and it's
final.
Then quits the word, said the spokes-
man, and they filed out.
Many Of the towns people agreed to
stand by Mr.. Gilbert, Others thought him
unreasonable and the employment of a
woman Objectionable.
Six men, including Harvey, remained
and the girl, the cdStS belli, added one
more.
Well do what we can short handed,
Ross said to his wife, and IL it comes
Il 4 I Ill