HEGAN. Yes, my dear.

LAURA. And you paid Grimes two hundred thousand dollars to fix the
decision of the Court.

HEGAN. [Starting violently.] Laura!

LAURA. Grimes went to judge Porter’s house the night before last and
induced him to change his vote on the case.

HEGAN. Laura!

LAURA. And so, what was to have been the minority opinion of the Court
is to be given out today as the Court’s decision.

HEGAN. My God!

LAURA. You do not deny that this is the truth?

HEGAN. You overheard us at the house!

LAURA. Not one word, father.

HEGAN. But you must have!

LAURA. Father, throughout this conversation, you may honor me by

busy . . .

HEGAN. My dear, the Exchange will open in an hour. And I am in the
midst of a big campaign. I have important orders for my brokers, and a
hundred other matters to attend to. And I expect Grimes here any
minute . . .

LAURA. Grimes?

HEGAN. Yes, my dear.

LAURA. You are not through with him yet, then?

HEGAN. No, Laura . . .

LAURA. Well, even so! Mr. Grimes must wait until I have said what I
have to say to you.

HEGAN. What is it, Laura?

LAURA. You are expecting the decision of the Court of Appeals on the
Grand Avenue Railroad case at noon today.

HEGAN. Why, yes . . .

LAURA. The decision will be in your favor. And you and Grimes are
planning to gamble on it, and to make a great deal of money.

HEGAN. Yes, Laura.

LAURA. And you told me that nobody else ever did it, either for you or
for your companies.

HEGAN. Yes, but . . .

LAURA. And, father, you told me a falsehood.

HEGAN. Laura!

LAURA. I am very sorry, but I have to say it. It was a falsehood; and
it is but one of many falsehoods that you have told me. I understand
just why you did it you think I ought not to ask about these things,
because it will make me unhappy; and so, for my own good, you do not
hesitate to tell me things that are not true.

HEGAN. My child, it is your father that you are talking to!

LAURA. It is my father, and a father who knows that I love him very
dearly, and who will realize it hurts me to say these things, fully as
much as it hurts him to hear them. But they must be said . . . and
said now.

HEGAN. Why now? Just at this moment . . .

LAURA. I know what you are going to say. At this moment you are very

LAURA. Father!

HEGAN. Why, Laura! [ANDREWS exit.] What are you doing here?

LAURA. I’ve come to have a talk with you.

HEGAN. To have a talk with me?

LAURA. Come in, please, father. Shut the door.

HEGAN. Yes, my dear; but . . .

LAURA. I came into the city on the next train after you. I have been
hunting for you ever since . . . I have been up all night. I have
something of the utmost urgency to talk with you about.

HEGAN. What is it?

LAURA. Come and sit down, please.

HEGAN. Yes, my dear.

LAURA. Listen, father. Yesterday afternoon, when we were talking, you
told me that you had never done anything to influence the courts in
their decisions.

it not, Mr. Andrews?

ANDREWS. [Hesitates.] There has been a rumor, Miss Hegan.

LAURA. And so there will be considerable disturbance of the market?

ANDREWS. Presumably.

LAURA. And my father has made preparations?

ANDREWS. Yes.

LAURA. That is what the conference was about?

ANDREWS. I presume so, Miss Hegan.

LAURA. By the way, Mr. Andrews, I expect Mr. Montague here at ten
o’clock. Please let me know when he comes.

ANDREWS. Yes, Miss Hegan. [Goes to the door, then turns.] Here is Mr.
Hegan now.

LAURA. [Starting up.] Ah!

ANDREWS. [Holding open door.] Good morning, Mr. Hegan.

HEGAN. [Enters.] Good morning.