HEGAN. My dear child, what can I do?
LAURA. But think of the disgrace... the shame of it! You will carry it with you all your life!
HEGAN. I can't help it. I am bound hand and foot.
LAURA. Father! [She rushes to him, and flings her arms about him.] Do you realize what you are doing? You are driving me away from you!.. . You are casting me off! And all for a few more dollars!
HEGAN. My dear, it is not that. My word is pledged.
LAURA. You are trampling me in the dust. You are spurning all that is best in your life!
GRIMES. Come, come, man! The game is called
HEGAN. Let me go, my dear.
LAURA. Father!
HEGAN. No! No! [He gently, but firmly, puts her arms from him.] Good-bye, dear.