osition.. . the thousand
ties that bind him... all the habits of a lifetime! Think of the friends
he has to protect; you don't know...

LAURA. I know it all. And, on the other hand, I know some things that
you do not know. I know that my father is not a happy man. There is a
canker eating at his heart... the fruit of life has turned to ashes
on his lips. And he has one person in all this world that he loves.. .
myself. He has toiled and fought for me... all these years he has told
himself that he was making his money for me. And now he finds that it
brings me only misery and grief... it is as useless to me as it is to
him! And now, suppose I should go to him and say: "Father, you have
committed a crime. And I cannot stand it another hour. You must choose
here and now... you must give up this fight against the people... you
must give up this career, and come with me and help me to do good in the
world. Or else"... [her voice breaking.]... "I shall have to leave you!
I shall refuse to touch a dollar of your money; I shall refuse in any
way to share your guilt!" Don't you see? He will know that I am speaking
the truth... and that I mean every word of it. Oh, gentlemen, believe
me... my father would be as strong to atone for his injustices as he
has been to commit them! Surely, you can't refuse me this chance to save
him?

JACK. Miss Hegan...

MONTAGUE. For God's sake, Jack...

JACK. Excuse me, Montague. How long would you expect us to wait, Miss
Hegan?

LAURA. You need not wait at all. You could go right ahead with your own
plans. Meantime, I can go to my father... I will have tonight to plead
with him, and tomorrow morning you will know if I have succeeded.

JACK. Very well... I will consent to that.

LAURA. Let Mr. Montague come to my father's office tomorrow morning at
ten o'clock. I shall not give him up... even if I have to follow him
there! And now... good-bye... [Starts toward the door, breaks down and
cries.] Thank you! Thank you!

[Stretches out her hands to them.]

MONTAGUE. [Springing toward her.] Miss Hegan!

LAURA. Give me a little courage! Tell me you think I shall succeed!

MONTAGUE. [Seizing her hand.] I believe you will, Miss Hegan!

LAURA. Ah! Thank you!

MONTAGUE. [Kisses her hand; tries to speak; overcome.] Good-bye!

LAURA. [Exit.] Ah, God!

JACK. I understand, old man! If only she weren't so rich!

MONTAGUE. If only she weren't...

JACK. Yes, yes, dear boy; I know how it is. You'