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!