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All Sorts and Conditions of Men: Kennedy

Their talk naturally would come around to the wealthy Miss Messenger--whom none of those concerned with the story except Miss Kennedy ever had seen. They would speculate as to what they would do with her money, if they had the opportunity.

The cabinet-maker, Harry, had ideas. He had observed a lack in the life of the East End of London, with its two millions of people. "We have no pleasures--a theater and a music-hall in Whitechapel Road. That has to serve for two millions of people. Now if this young heiress wanted to do any good, she should build a Palace of Pleasure here." "Let us talk over your Palace of Pleasure," she said. And as time went on they elaborated and amplified the idea, as the needs of the people among whom they lived became more apparent to them. To him it was a fanciful idea, largely of interest because it gave him opportunity to talk with the little dressmaker. To her it was the opportunity for which the greatest heiress in England had gone searching in Whitechapel. But first came the "Stepney Dressmakers' Association." Never before had London seen such a business, conducted upon such extraordinary principles. The young women employees actually were encouraged to leave their work at certain hours, to exercise and play. They were furnished appetizing food at the expense of the shop. Lawn-tennis courts were provided for them. In the evenings they were encouraged to dance and sing. And a share of the earnings of the establishment was theirs.