ACT II

Library of "The Towers," HEGAN's Long Island country place. A spacious
room, furnished luxuriously, but with good taste. A large table, with
lamp and books in the centre, and easy-chairs beside it. Up stage are
French windows leading to a veranda, with drive below; a writing desk
between the windows. Entrance right and left. A telephone stand left,
and a clock on wall right. [At rise: ANDREWS, standing by the table,
opening some letters.]

LAURA. [Enters from veranda.] Good afternoon, Mr. Andrews.

ANDREWS. Good afternoon, Miss Hegan.

LAURA. Has father come yet?

ANDREWS. No; he said he'd he back about five.

LAURA. Is he surely coming?

ANDREWS. Oh, yes. He has an important engagement here.

LAURA. He's working very hard these days.

ANDREWS. He has a good deal on his mind just now.

LAURA. It's this Grand Avenue Railroad business.

ANDREWS. Yes. If it should go against him, it would confuse his plans
very much.

LAURA. Is the matter never going to be decided?

ANDREWS. We're expecting the decision any day now. That's why he's so
much concerned. He has to hold the market, you see...

LAURA. The decision's liable to affect the market?

ANDREWS. Oh, yes... very much, indeed.

LAURA. I see. And then...

'Phone rings.

ANDREWS. Excuse me. Hello! Yes, this is Mr. Hegan's place. Mr. Montague?
Why, yes; I believe he's to be here this afternoon. Yes.. . wait a
moment... [To LAURA.] It's some one asking for Mr. Montague.

LAURA. Who is it?

ANDREWS. Hello! Who is this, please? [TO LAURA.] It's Mr. Bullen.

LAURA. Mr. Bullen? I'll speak to him. [Takes 'phone.] Hello, Mr. Bullen!
This is Miss Hegan. I'm glad to hear from you. How are you? Why, yes,
Mr. Montague is coming out... I expect him here any time. He was to take
the three-five... just a moment. [Looks at clock.] If the train's on
time, he's due here now. We sent to meet him. Call up again in about
five minutes. Oh, you have to see him? As soon as that? Nothing wrong,
I hope. Well, he couldn't get back to the city until after six. Oh, then
you're right near us. Why don't you come over?... That's the quickest
way. No; take the trolley and come right across. I'll be delighted to
see you. What's that? Why, Mr. Bullen! How perfectly preposterous! My
father doesn't blame you for what happened. Don't think of it. Come
right along. I'll take it ill of you if you don't... truly I will. Yes;
please do. You'll just have time to get the next tr