I did think once, when the war was on, that things were going to be different for us women after this.

But it seems not....

You've been good to us, and we don't want to get you mixed up in any strike, Miss Spencer....

I guess we'd better go...." Judge Cutler's expression returned to Mary's mind: "Another year like this and, barring strikes and accidents, Spencer & Son will be on its feet again--" Barring strikes! Mary was under no misapprehension as to what a strike might mean....
"I want to get this exactly right," she said, turning to the chairman again.

"The only reason you wish these women discharged is because they are women, is that it ?" "Yes; I guess that's it, when you come right down to it." "Do you think it's fair ?" "I'm sorry, Miss Spencer, but it's not a bit of use arguing any longer.
If these four women stay, the men in our department quit: that's all." Mary looked up at the pictures of her forbears who seemed to be listening attentively for her answer.
"Please tell the men that I shall be sorry--very sorry--to see them go," she said at last, "but these four women are certainly going to stay.".