NORA: Yes, and took advantage of the capitalistic system to own the
factory.
GIBSON: Before he did own it he worked fourteen hours a day for twelve
years. That's why he owned it.
NORA: How many hours a day do you work, Mr. Gibson?
GIBSON: I _have_ worked twenty-four; sometimes fourteen, sometimes two;
usually six.
NORA: In other words, when you want to work.
GIBSON: I've learned to do things my father never learned to do, and it
commands a higher return.
NORA: You _take_ a higher return!
GIBSON: You mean I don't deserve it?
NORA: Can it be possible that you think you deserve as much as any of
these _workers_? You don't so much as touch one of these pianos that
bring you your return. I do! I work on them with my hands. Do you think
you deserve as much as I?
GIBSON: No; I don't go so far as that.
NORA: Don't talk to me as a woman! My work is pleasant enough now; but
what work did I have to do before I got this far? I worked sixteen hours
a day, and when I was only a child at that! Twelve hours I was sewing,
and four I studied. If my father hadn't known music and taught me a
little your capitalistic system would have me sewing twelve hours a day
still!
GIBSON: Yes, Nora; when we learn how to do something we get better pay
for it.
NORA: We do? Do you really think that? That we get paid for what we do?
GIBSON: Yes; that's what I think.
NORA: Then what do you get paid for? For nothing in the world but owning
this factory.
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