LAURA. At this moment you are on the point of doing something that will put a brand upon your conscience for the balance of your career. And at this moment you are confronted with the realization that you are ruining your daughter's life. You see her before you, desperate... frantic with shame and grief. And you have to make up your mind, either to drive her from you, heart-broken... or else to turn your face from these evils, and to take up a new way of life.
HEGAN. [Broken and crushed, sits staring at her.] Laura!
LAURA. [Stretching out her arms to him.] Father! A knock at the door; they start.
GRIMES. [Enters.] Oh! Beg pardon!
HEGAN. Come in.
LAURA. [Starting up.] No!
HEGAN. Come in! You must know it!
GRIMES. What is it?
HEGAN. Shut the door! Grimes, the game is up!
GRIMES. How d'ye mean?