'I only name such things to show what almost unlimited power the

manufacturers had about the beginning of this century. The men

were rendered dizzy by it. Because a man was successful in his

ventures, there was no reason that in all other things his mind

should be well-balanced. On the Contrary, his sense of justice,

and his simplicity, were often utterly smothered under the glut

of wealth that came down upon him; and they tell strange tales of

the wild extravagance of living indulged in on gala-days by those

early cotton-lords. There can be no doubt, too, of the tyranny

they exercised over their work-people. You know the proverb, Mr.

Hale, "Set a beggar on horseback, and he'll ride to the

devil,"--well, some of these early manufacturers did ride to the

devil in a magnificent style--crushing human bone and flesh under

their horses' hoofs without remorse. But by-and-by came a

re-action, there were more factories, more masters; more men were

wanted. The power of masters and men became more evenly balanced;

and now the battle is pretty fairly waged between us. We will

hardly submit to the decision of an umpire, much less to the

interference of a meddler with only a smattering of the knowledge

of the real facts of the case, even though that meddler be called

the High Court of Parliament.

'Is there necessity for calling it a battle between the two

classes?' asked Mr. Hale. 'I know, from your using the term, it

is one which gives a true idea of the real state of things to

your mind.' 'It is true; and I believe it to be as much a necessity as that

prudent wisdom and good conduct are always opposed to, and doing

battle with ignorance and improvidence. It is one of the great

beauties of our system, that a working-man may raise himself into

the power and position of a master by his own exertions and

behaviour; that, in fact, every one who rules himself to decency

and sobriety of conduct, and attention to his duties, comes over

to our ranks; it may not be always as a master, but as an

over-looker, a cashier, a book-keeper, a clerk, one on the side

of authority and order.' 'You consider all who are unsuccessful in raising themselves in

the world, from whatever cause, as your enemies, then, if I

under-stand you rightly,' said Margaret' in a clear, cold voice.

'As their own enemies, certainly,' said he, quickly, not a little

piqued by the haughty disapproval her form of expression and tone

of speaking implied. But, in a moment, his straightforward

honesty made him feel that his words were but a poor and

quibbling answer to what she had said; and, be she as scornful as

she liked, it was a duty he owed to himself to explain, as truly

as he could, what he did mean. Yet it was very difficult to

separate her interpretation, and keep it distinct from his

meaning. He could best have illustrated what he wanted to say by

telling them something of his own life; but was it not too

personal a subject to speak about to strangers? Still, it was the

simple straightforward way of explaining his meaning; so, putting

aside the touch of shyness that brought a momentary flush of

colour into his dark cheek, he said: 'I am not speaking without book. Sixteen years ago, my father

died under very miserable circumstances. I was taken from school,

and had to become a man (as well as I could) in a few days. I had

such a mother as few are blest with; a woman of strong power, and

firm resolve. We went into a small country town, where living was

cheaper than in Milton, and where I got employment in a draper's

shop (a capital place, by the way, for obtaining a knowledge of

goods). Week by week our income came to fifteen shillings, out of

which three people had to be kept. My mother managed so that I

put by three out of these fifteen shillings regularly. This made

the beginning; this taught me self-denial. Now that I am able to

afford my mother such comforts as her age, rather than her own

wish, requires, I thank her silently on each occasion for the

early training she gave me. Now when I feel that in my own case

it is no good luck, nor merit, nor talent,--but simply the habits

of life which taught me to despise indulgences not thoroughly

earned,--indeed, never to think twice about them,--I believe that

this suffering, which Miss Hale says is impressed on the

countenances of the people of Milton, is but the natural

punishment of dishonestly-enjoyed pleasure, at some former period

of their lives. I do not look on self-indulgent, sensual people

as worthy of my hatred; I simply look upon them with contempt for

their poorness of character.' 'But you have had the rudiments of a good education,' remarked

Mr. Hale. 'The quick zest with which you are now reading Homer,

shows me that you do not come to it as an unknown book; you have

read it before, and are only recalling your old knowledge.' 'That is true,--I had blundered along it at school; I dare say, I

was even considered a pretty fair classic in those days, though

my Latin and Greek have slipt away from me since. But I ask you,

what preparation they were for such a life as I had to lead? None

at all. Utterly none at all. On the point of education, any man

who can read and write starts fair with me in the amount of

really useful knowledge that I had at that time.' 'Well! I don't agree with you. But there I am perhaps somewhat of

a pedant. Did not the recollection of the heroic simplicity of

the Homeric life nerve you up?' 'Not one bit!' exclaimed Mr. Thornton, laughing. 'I was too busy

to think about any dead people, with the living pressing

alongside of me, neck to neck, in the struggle for bread. Now

that I have my mother safe in the quiet peace that becomes her

age, and duly rewards her former exertions, I can turn to all

that old narration and thoroughly enjoy it.' 'I dare say, my remark came from the professional feeling of

there being nothing like leather,' replied Mr. Hale.




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