an that be?

LAURA. I cannot discuss the matter.

HEGAN. But think... my dear! I am your father, and you must trust me...
you must help me...

LAURA. Please do not ask me. I have given my word.

HEGAN. Your word! [Gazes about, distracted.] You take the part of others
against your own flesh and blood!

LAURA. Listen, father! Think of me for a minute, and how it seems to me.
Do not be so ignoble as to think only of the exposure...

HEGAN. But, my child, realize what it will mean if this comes out! Are
these people among my enemies?

LAURA. That depends upon circumstances.

HEGAN. I don't understand you.

LAURA. I will try to explain, if you will be patient with me.

HEGAN. Go on! Go on!

LAURA. Father, you know what has been happening to me during the past
few months. You know how unhappy I have been. And now you have committed
a crime... a dreadful, dreadful crime!

HEGAN. My dear!

LAURA. I wish to make it clear to you... I am in desperate earnest. I
have taken all night to think it over, and I am not making any mistake.
I have made up my mind that, come what will, and cost what it may, I
must clear myself of the responsibility for these evils.

HEGAN. In what way are you responsible?

LAURA. In every way imaginable. My whole life is based upon them...
everything that I have and enjoy is stained with the guilt of them...
the house in which I live, the clothing that I wear, the food that I
eat. And I shall never again know what it is to be happy, while I have
that fact upon my conscience. Don't you see?

HEGAN. I see.

LAURA. I tried all night to find you. I wanted to have a chance to talk
with you, quietly. And, now, instead, I have to do it here, amid all the
rush and strain of this dreadful Wall Street. But so it is.. . I must
say it here. Father, I have come to plead with you, to plead with you
upon my knees. Listen to me... don't turn me away!

HEGAN. What do you wish me to do?

LAURA. First of all, I wish you to give up this illegal advantage that
you have gained. I wish you to stop this decision, and give the people
the victory to which they are entitled.

HEGAN. But, my dear, that is madness! How can I...

LAURA. You compelled Grimes to do this thing... you can compel him to
undo it!

HEGAN. But, my dear, it would ruin me!

LAURA. If you do what I ask you to do, ruin will not matter.

HEGAN. What do you ask me?

LAURA. I wish you to stop this mad career... to give up this money
g