Miles cleared his throat. “Yes, I certainly agree with you. I approach this job the same way. Unfortunately, some people bring ideology into it. The union claims to be concerned about the miners’ welfare, but what they’re really after is a change in the economic and social order.”

“What do you mean by that?” I asked.

“Well, you know”—he waved his arm vaguely—“the idea that uneducated and backward people are capable of running the mines.” He looked at Lloyd. “Of course, I didn’t mean to imply—”

Lloyd smiled to show he wasn’t offended. “You mean socialism.”

“That’s the fancy word for it.”

I didn’t like the way the conversation was going. “They’s some of those uneducated people got more brains than you, Miles. Just because Ben sent you to Berea—”

“I admit I’m lucky. If I hadn’t gone to school, I wouldn’t deserve to be in the position I hold now. But education is the key to progress.”

“Hit’s the twentieth century,” Lloyd said.

“Exactly. Our grandchildren will see the year 2000. And look at all the new inventions—electricity, the telephone, the motorcar. The world is changing, Carrie, changing for the better.”

“And we got to change with it,” Lloyd said. “We got to adapt.”

“Exactly!”

“Hit’s the age of the machine. Folks got to adjust or they’ll get crushed like a miner in a roof fall.”

“Well,” Miles said, “that’s a pretty strong image. It’s more like they’ll be left behind. But I can see you think about things.”

“I do some reading,” Lloyd said modestly. “‘The machine is the new messiah.’ Henry Ford. I read what them educated boys say.” He smiled at Miles like a pupil impressing the teacher.

“Lloyd is interested in medicine,” I said quickly. “He wanted to be a doctor. And he aint happy about the sanitary conditions in the camp, neither.”

“Now, Miss Carrie, you’re going to get me in trouble.”

“Not at all,” Miles said. “You’re entitled to your opinion. I’m glad to listen to grievances.”

“You do anything besides listen?”

“If I can. In this case, I can’t. I’ve already tried.”

“Cant fault a man for trying, can you?” Lloyd said.

I brought up school again, but Lloyd said he couldn’t afford to go and wouldn’t be beholden to anyone who might help him. Miles didn’t make any offers. I told myself it was a good beginning and tried not to be disappointed. I listened while they talked amiably about the company’s plan to open new mines. Miles asked if Lloyd ever thought about being a foreman, and Lloyd said he’d think about it. He asked if he could escort “Miss Carrie” back to the clubhouse, and Miles agreed.

“You didn’t say much,” Lloyd said as we walked along. “I thought you’d be more of a talker.”

“I’m sort of quiet,” I said. “Unless I’m riled.”

“I’ve got acquainted with your brother. When can I get acquainted with you?”

“Come to supper tomorrow night.”

“Would Brother Miles approve?”

“It aint none of his business.”