noon
Once Ellen knew , although she did not see him , by some subtle disturbance of the atmosphere , a little commotion which was perfectly silent , that Robert Lloyd had entered the room . She knew when he passed her , and she worked more swiftly than ever . After he had gone out there was a curiously inarticulate sound like a low growl of purely animal dissent over the room ; a word of blasphemy sounded above the din of the machines . Then all went on as before until the noon whistle blew . Even then there was not so much discussion as might have been expected . Robert , since the storm was so heavy , remained in the office , and sent a boy out for a light luncheon , and the foremen were much in evidence . There was always an uncertainty about their sentiments , occupying as they did a position half-way between employer and employés ; and then , too , they were not affected by the cut in wages .