Chapter 6

the G.P.O. Employés engaged upon their work. The hour for customary cessation of labour strikes._

_Official of a Higher Grade_. Officers and Gentlemen, the exigencies of the Public Service require your presence for some time longer. I beg you to continue your work.

_A Hundred Employés_. Never! (_Aside._) Ha! ha! the employment of Female Clerks is avenged!

_Off._ (_almost in tears_). Reconsider your decision, I beg--I implore!

_Another Hundred Employés_. Never! (_Aside._) Seven hours a day and no longer--shall be secured at one fell swoop!

_Off._ (_with indescribable emotion_). Oh, my country! Oh, my Savings Bank Depositors! Oh, my dignity of the Civil Service!

[_Faints in the arms of faithful Employés, whilst the other Clerks defiantly depart. Tableau._