noon
`` I have studied hygienic science , and know that a woman ca n't stand continuously except at the cost of serious ill-health . '' Later I asked the proprietor if he did not think that his humanity was also the best business policy , for the reason that his employes were in a better condition to attend to their duties . `` No , '' he said ; `` on strict business principles I would require constant standing ; but this has no weight with me , in view of the inhumanity of such a rule . If I had the room for it in the store , I 'd give all my employes a good slice of roast beef at noon ; but I have not , and therefore I give them plenty of time for a good lunch . '' The manager of another establishment , which was furnished with ample means of rest for the girls , said to me , `` A man that compels a girl to stand all day ought to be flogged . '' He also showed me a clean , comfortable place in the basement in which the girls ate their lunches . It was supplied with a large cooking-stove , with a woman in constant attendance .