HEGAN. Not in any way.
LAURA. Nor in favor of your companies?
HEGAN. No, my dear.
LAURA. You mean, you can give me your word of honor that that is the truth?
HEGAN. I can, my dear.
LAURA. And that none of your lawyers do it? Do you mean that the courts escape your influence...
HEGAN. [Laughing disconcertedly.] Really, my dear, this is as bad as a Government investigation! I shall have to take refuge in a lapse of memory.
LAURA. [Intensely.] Father! Is it nothing to you that I have the blood of that poor girl on my conscience?
HEGAN. My child!
LAURA. Yes; just that! She was caught in the grip of this ruthless system; it held her fast and crushed her life out. And we maintain this system! I profit by it... all this luxury and power that I enjoy comes from it directly! Can't you see what I mean?