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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Machine + +Author: Upton Sinclair + +Release Date: February 28, 2009 [EBook #3304] +Last Updated: January 9, 2013 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MACHINE *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Franks, the Online Distributed Proofreading team, +and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MACHINE + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Upton Sinclair + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Contents + </h3> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> CHARACTERS </a> + </p> + <br /> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>THE MACHINE</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> ACT I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> ACT II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> ACT III </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHARACTERS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + (In order of appearance) + + JULIA PATTERSON: a magazine writer. + JACK BULLEN: a parlor Socialist. + LAURA HEGAN: Hegan's daughter. + ALLAN MONTAGUE: a lawyer. + JIM HEGAN: the traction king. + ANNIE ROBERTS: a girl of the slums. + ROBERT GRIMES: the boss. + ANDREWS: Hegan's secretary. + PARKER: a clerk. + + ACT I + + Julia Patterson's apartments in a model tenement on the lower East + Side. + + ACT II + + Library at "The Towers," Hegan's country place on Long Island, two + weeks later. + + ACT III + + Hegan's private office in Wall street, the next morning. +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + THE MACHINE + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT I + </h2> + <p> + [JULIA PATTERSON'S apartments in a model tenement on the lower East Side. + The scene shows the living-room, furnished very plainly, but in the newest + taste; "arts and crafts" furniture, portraits of Morris and Ruskin on the + walls; a centre table, a couple of easy-chairs, a divan and many + book-shelves. The entrance from the outer hall is at centre; entrance to + the other rooms right and left.] + </p> + <p> + [At rise: JULIA has pushed back the lamp from the table and is having a + light supper, with a cup of tea; and at the same time trying to read a + magazine, which obstinately refuses to remain open at the right place. She + is an attractive and intelligent woman of thirty. The doorbell rings.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Ah, Jack! [Presses button, then goes to the door.] + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Enters, having come upstairs at a run. He is a college graduate and + volunteer revolutionist, one of the organizers of the "Society of the + Friends of Russian Freedom"; handsome and ardent, eager in manner, and a + great talker.] Hello, Julia. All alone? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Yes. I expected a friend, but she can't come until later. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Just eating? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I've been on the go all day. Have something. + </p> + <p> + JACK. No; I had dinner. [As she starts to clear things away.] Don't stop + on my account. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I was just finishing up. [As he begins to help.] No; sit down. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Nonsense. Let the men be of some use in the world. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. What have you been up to to-day? + </p> + <p> + JACK. We're organizing a demonstration for the Swedish strikers. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. It's marvelous how those Swedes hold on, isn't it? + </p> + <p> + JACK. The people are getting their eyes open. And when they're once open, + they stay open. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Yes. Did you see my article? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I should think I did! Julia, that was a dandy! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Do you think so? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I do, indeed. You've made a hit. I heard a dozen people talking + about it. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Indeed? + </p> + <p> + JACK. You've come to be the champion female muck-raker of the country, I + think. + </p> + <p> + [JULIA laughs.] + </p> + <p> + JACK. Why did you want to see me so specially tonight? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I've a friend I want you to meet. Somebody I'm engaged in + educating. + </p> + <p> + JACK. You seem to have chosen me for your favorite proselytizer. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. You've seen things with your own eyes, Jack. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Yes; I suppose so. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. And you know how to tell about them. And you've such an engaging + way about you...nobody could help but take to you. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Cut out the taffy. Who's your friend? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Her name's Hegan. + </p> + <p> + JACK. A woman? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. A girl, yes. And she's coming right along, Jack. You must take a + little trouble with her, for if we can only bring her through, she can do + a lot for us. She's got no end of money. + </p> + <p> + JACK. No relative of Jim Hegan, I hope? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. She's his daughter. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [With a bound.] What! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. His only daughter. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Good God, Julia! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. What's the matter? + </p> + <p> + JACK. You know I don't want to meet people like that. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Why not? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I don't care to mix with them. I've nothing to say to them. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. My dear Jack, the girl can't help her father. + </p> + <p> + JACK. I know that, and I'm sorry for her. But, meantime, I've got my work + to do... + </p> + <p> + JULIA. You couldn't be doing any better work than this. If we can make a + Socialist of Laura Hegan... + </p> + <p> + JACK. Oh, stuff, Julia! I've given up chasing after will-o'-the-wisps like + that. + </p> + <p> + JULIA.—But think what she could do! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Yes. I used to think what a whole lot of people could do. You might + as well ask me to think what her father could do... if he only wanted to + do it, instead of poisoning the life-blood of the city, and piling up his + dirty millions. Go about this town and see the misery and horror... and + think that it's Jim Hegan who sits at the top and reaps the profit of it + all! It's Jim Hegan who is back of the organization... he's the real power + behind Boss Grimes. It's he who puts up the money and makes possible this + whole regime of vice and graft... + </p> + <p> + JULIA. My dear boy, don't be silly. + </p> + <p> + JACK. How do you mean? Isn't it true? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Of course it's true... but why declaim to me about it? You forget + you are talking to the champion female muckraker of the country. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Yes, that's right. But I don't want to meet these people socially. + They mean well, a lot of them, I suppose; but they've been accustomed all + their lives to being people of importance... to have everybody stand in + awe of them, because of their stolen money, and all the wonderful things + they might do with it if they only would. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. My dear Jack, did you ever observe anything of the tuft-hunter in + me? + </p> + <p> + JACK. No, I don't know that I have. But it's never too late. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Laughing.] Well, until you do, have a little faith in me! Meet + Laura Hegan, and judge for yourself. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Grumbling.] All right, I'll meet her. But let me tell you, I don't + propose to spare her feelings. She'll get things straight from me. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. That's all right, my boy. Give her the class war and the Revolution + with a capital R! Tell her you're the only original representative of the + disinherited proletariat, and that some day, before long, you intend to + plant the red flag over her daddy's palace. [Seriously.] Of course, what + you'll actually do is meet her like a gentleman, and tell her of some of + your adventures in Russia, and give her some idea of what's going on + outside of her little Fifth avenue set. J ACK. Where did you run on to + her? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I met her at the settlement. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Good Lord! Jim Hegan's daughter! [Laughs.] They were toadying to her + there, I'll wager. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Well, you know what settlement people are. She's been coming there + for quite a while, and seems to be interested. She's given them quite a + lot of money. + </p> + <p> + JACK. No doubt. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I had a little talk with her one afternoon. She's a quiet, + self-contained girl, but she gave me a peculiar impression. She seemed to + be unhappy; there was a kind of troubled note in what she said. I had felt + uncomfortable about meeting her... you can imagine, after my study of + "Tammany and the Traction Trust." + </p> + <p> + JACK. Did she mention that? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. No, she never has. But I've several times had the feeling that she + was trying to get up the courage to do it. I've thought, somehow, that she + must be suffering about her father. + </p> + <p> + JACK. My God! Wouldn't it be a joke if Nemesis were to get at Jim Hegan + through his daughter? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Yes; wouldn't it! + </p> + <p> + JACK. How do you suppose he takes her reform activities? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I don't know, but I fancy they must have had it out. She's not the + sort of person to let herself be turned back when her mind's made up. + </p> + <p> + JACK. A sort of chip of the old block. [After a pause.] If I'd known what + was up, I wouldn't have suggested asking anybody else to come.. . + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Oh, that's all right; it won't make any difference. + </p> + <p> + JACK. This chap, Montague, that I 'phoned to you about... he's a sort of a + convert of my own. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I see. We'll reciprocate. + </p> + <p> + JACK. I think I've got Montague pretty well landed. You'll be interested + in him... it's quite a story. It was last election day... + </p> + <p> + [The bell rings.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Ah, there's somebody. [She goes to the door; calls.] Is that you, + Miss Hegan? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Off.] Yes, it's I. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. You found your way, did you? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Oh, no trouble at all. [Enters, a tall, stately girl, about + twenty-three; simply but elegantly clad.] How do you do? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I am so glad to see you. Jack, this is Miss Hegan. Mr. Bullen. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. How do you do, Mr. Bullen? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I am very glad to meet you, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Let me take your things. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Looking about.] Oh, what a cozy place! I think these model + tenements are delightful. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. They're indispensable to us agitators... an oasis in a desert. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Built for the proletariat, and inhabited by cranks. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Is that the truth? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. It's certainly the truth about this one. Below me are two painters + and a settlement worker, and next door is a blind Anarchist and a Yiddish + poet. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. What's the reason for it? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Going to room off left with LAURA's things.] The places are clean + and cheap; and whenever the poor can't pay their rent, we take their + homes. + </p> + <p> + JACK. The elimination of the unfit. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It sounds like a tragic explanation; but I guess it's true. + [Looking at Jack.] And so this is Mr. Bullen. For such a famous + revolutionist, I expected to find some one more dangerous-looking. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Returning.] Don't make up your mind too soon about Jack. He's + liable to startle you. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I'm not easily startled any more. I'm getting quite used to meeting + revolutionists. + </p> + <p> + JACK. You don't call them revolutionists that you meet at the settlement, + I hope? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. No; but all sorts of people come there. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. By the way, Jack 'phoned me this afternoon, and said he'd invited a + friend here. I hope you don't mind. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Why, no; not at all. Is it one of your Russian friends? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Oh, no; he's an American. His name is Montague. I was just starting + to tell Julia about him when you came in. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Go ahead. + </p> + <p> + JACK. It was quite an adventure. I don't know that I've ever had one that + was more exciting. And I've had quite some, you know. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes; I've been told so. + </p> + <p> + JACK. It was last election day, in a polling place on the Bowery. I was a + watcher for the Socialists, and this Montague was one of the watchers for + the reform crowd. The other one was drunk, and so he had the work all to + himself. It was in the heart of Leary's district, and the crowd there was + a tough one, I can tell you. It was a close election. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes; I know. + </p> + <p> + JACK. There'd been all kinds of monkey-work going on, and the box was full + of marked and defective ballots, and Montague set to work to make them + throw them out. I didn't pay much attention at first. I was only there to + see that our own ballots were counted; but pretty soon I began to take + interest. He had every one in the place against him. There was a Tammany + inspector of elections and four tally clerks... all in with Tammany, of + course. There were three or four Tammany policemen, and, outside of the + railing, the worst crowd of toughs that ever you laid eyes on. To make + matters worse, there were several men inside who had no business to be + there... one of them a Judge of the City Court, and another a State's + attorney... and all of them storming at Montague. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. What did he do? + </p> + <p> + JACK. He just made them throw out the marked ballots. They were willing + enough to put them to one side, but wanted to count them in on the tally + sheets. And, of course, Montague knew perfectly well that if they ever + counted them in they'd close up at the end, and that would be all there + was to it. He had the law with him, of course. He's a lawyer himself, and + he seemed to know it all by heart; and he'd quote it to them, paragraph by + paragraph, and they'd look it up and find that he was right, and, of + course, that only made them madder. The old Judge would start up in his + seat. "Officer!" he'd shout (he was a red-faced, ignorant fellow... a + typical barroom politician), "I demand that you put that man out of here." + And the cop actually laid his hand on Montague's shoulder; if he'd ever + been landed on the other side of that railing the crowd would have torn + him to pieces. But the man stayed as cool as a cucumber. "Officer," he + said, "you are aware that I am an election official, here under the + protection of the law; and if you refuse me that protection you are liable + to a sentence in State's prison." Then he'd quote another paragraph. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. It's a wonder he ever held them. + </p> + <p> + JACK. He did it; he made them throw out forty-seven ballots... and + thirty-eight of them were Tammany ballots, too. There was one time when I + thought the gang was going to break loose, and I sneaked out and + telephoned for help. Then I came back and spoke up for him. I wanted them + to know there'd be one witness. You should have seen the grateful look + that Montague gave me. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I can imagine it. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. And how did it end? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Why, you see, we kept them there till eleven o'clock at night, and + by that time everybody knew that Tammany had won, and the ballots were not + needed. So the old Judge patted us on the back and told us we were heroes, + and invited us out to get drunk with him. Montague and I walked home + together through the election din, and got acquainted. I don't know that I + ever met a man I took to more quickly. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You are making a Socialist out of him, of course? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Oh, he's coming on. But he is not the sort of man to take his ideas + from any one else... he wants to see for himself. He hasn't been in New + York long, you know... he comes from the South... from Mississippi. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Startled.] From Mississippi! What's his first name? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Allan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Betraying emotion.] Allan Montague! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Do you know him? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes; I know him very well, indeed. Oh... I didn't... that is... I + have not seen him for a long time. [Recovering her poise.] Is he surely + coming? + </p> + <p> + JACK. He generally keeps his engagements. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. How did you come to know him? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He's Ollie Montague's brother. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Who's Ollie Montague? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He's one of those pretty boys that everybody knows in society; he + brought his brother up from the South to introduce him. He was in some + business deal or other with my father. Then he seemed to drop out of + everything, and nobody sees him any more. I don't know why. + </p> + <p> + JACK. I think he was disgusted with his experiences. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Oh! + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Realizing that he had said something awkward.] I think I was the + first Socialist he'd ever met. He had just gotten to the stage of despair. + He'd started out with a long program of reforms... and he was going to + educate the people to them... one by one, until he'd made them all + effective. I said to him: "By the time you've got the attention of the + public on reform number thirty... what do you suppose the politicians will + have been doing with reform number one?" + </p> + <p> + JULIA. We all have to go through that stage. I can remember just as + well... [A ring upon the bell.] Ah, there he is. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Rises and goes to the door.] But I think he's most through butting + his head against the stone wall! [Calls.] Are you there, old man? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Off.] I'm here! + </p> + <p> + JACK. How are you? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Fine! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Come right in. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Enters; a tall, handsome man of thirty; self-contained and slow + of speech; the dark type of a Southerner.] I'm a trifle late. [Sees LAURA; + starts.] Miss Hegan! You! [Recovers himself.] Why... an unexpected + pleasure! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Unexpected on both sides, Mr. Montague. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I'm delighted to meet you, really! + </p> + <p> + [They shake hands.] + </p> + <p> + JACK. Julia, my friend, Mr. Montague. Miss Patterson. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I'm very glad to meet you, Miss Patterson. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. We had no idea we were bringing old friends together. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. No; it was certainly a coincidence. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It's been... let me see... a year since we've met. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It must be fully that. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Where do you keep yourself these days? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Oh, I'm studying, in a quiet way. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And none of your old friends ever see you? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I don't get about much. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Earnestly.] And friendship means so little to you as that? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I... it would be hard to explain. I have been busy with + politics... + </p> + <p> + [A pause of embarrassment.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Mr. Bullen has just been telling us about your heroism. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. My heroism? Where? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. At the polling place. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Oh, that! It was nothing. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It seemed like a good deal to us. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Make him tell you about some of his own adventures. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Would you ever think, to look at his innocent countenance, that he + had helped to hold a building for six hours against Russian artillery? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Good heavens! Where was this? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. During the St. Petersburg uprising. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And weren't you frightened to death? + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Laughing.] No; we were too busy taking pot-shots at the Cossacks. + It was like the hunting season in the Adirondacks. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And how did it turn out? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Oh, they were too much for us in the end. I got away, across the ice + of the Neva... I had the heel of one shoe shot off. And yet people tell us + romance is dead! Anybody who is looking for romance, and knows what it is, + can find all he wants in Russia. + </p> + <p> + [Pause.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [To MONTAGUE.] Have you seen my father lately? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. No; not for some time. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You may see him this evening. He promised to call for me. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Indeed! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Oh, by the way, Julia, I forgot! How's Annie? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Oh, yes; how is she? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. She's doing well, I think. Better every day. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Is she still violent? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Not so much. I can always handle her now. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Is she in the next room? + </p> + <p> + [Looking to the right.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Yes. She's been asleep since afternoon. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you still won't let me send her to a hospital? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Oh, no. Truly, it would kill the poor girl. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But you... with all your work, and your engagements? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. She's very quiet. And the neighbors come in and help when I'm out. + They all sympathize. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Talking about heroism... it seems to me that you are entitled to + mention. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Why, nonsense!... the girl was simply thrown into my arms. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Most people would have managed to step out of the way, just the + same. You've heard the story, have you, Mr. Montague? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Bullen has told it to me. You haven't been able to get any + justice? + </p> + <p> + JACK. From the police? Hardly! But we're keeping at it, to make the story + complete. I went to see Captain Quinn to-day. "What's this?" says he. + "Annie Rogers again? Didn't your lady frien' get her pitcher in the papers + over that case? An' what more does she want?" + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I went this afternoon to see the Tammany leader of our district... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Leary? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. The same. I went straight into his saloon. "Lady," says he, "the + goil's nutty! You got a bughouse patient on your bands! This here talk + about the white-slave traffic, ma'am... it's all the work o' these + magazine muckrakers!" "Meaning myself, Mr. Leary?" said I, and he looked + kind of puzzled. I don't think he knew who I was. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. All the work of the muckrakers! I see Boss Grimes is out to that + effect also. + </p> + <p> + JACK. And I see that half a dozen clergymen sat down to a public banquet + with him the other day. That's what we've come to in New York! Bob Grimes, + with his hands on every string of the whole infamous system... with his + paws in every filthy graft-pot in the city! Bob Grimes, the type and + symbol of it all! Every time I see a picture of that bulldog face, it + seems to me as if I were confronting all the horrors that I've ever fought + in my life! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. It's curious to note how much less denunciation of Tammany one + hears now than in the old days. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Tammany's getting respectable. + </p> + <p> + JACK. The big interests have found out how to use it. The traction gang, + especially... + </p> + <p> + [He stops abruptly; a tense pause.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Leaning toward him, with great earnestness.] Mr. Bullen, is that + really true? + </p> + <p> + JACK. That is true, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Mr. Bullen, you will understand what it means to me to hear that + statement made. I hear it made continually, and I ask if it is true, and I + am told that it is a slander. How am I to know? [A pause.] Would you be + able to tell me that you know it of your own personal knowledge? + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Weighing the words.] No; I could not say that. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Would you say that you could prove it to a jury? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I would say, that if I had to prove it, I could get the evidence. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. What would you say, Mr. Montague? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I would rather not say, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Please! Please! I want you to answer me. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [After a pause.] I would say that I shall be able to prove it + very shortly. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. How do you mean? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I have been giving most of my time to a study of just that + question, and I think that I shall have the evidence. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see. + </p> + <p> + [She sinks back, very white; a pause; the bell rings.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Who can that be? + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Springing up.] Let me answer it. [Presses button; then, to + MONTAGUE.] I had no idea you were going in for that, old man. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. This is the first time I have ever mentioned it to any one. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Rising, hoping to relieve an embarrassing situation.] I hope this + isn't any more company. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [To MONTAGUE, aside.] You must let me tell you a few things that I + know. I've been running down a little story about Grimes and the traction + crowd. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Indeed! What is it? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I can't tell it to you now... it would take too long. But, gee! If I + can get the evidence, it'll make your hair stand on end! It has to do with + the Grand Avenue Railroad suit. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. The one that's pending in the Court of Appeals? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Yes. You see, Jim Hegan stands to lose a fortune by it, and I've + reason to believe that there's some monkey-work being done with the Court. + It happens that one of the judges has a nephew... a dissipated chap, who + hates him. He's an old college friend of mine, and he's trying to get some + evidence for me. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Good Lord! + </p> + <p> + JACK. And think, it concerns Jim Hegan personally. + </p> + <p> + [A knock at the door.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. I'll go. + </p> + <p> + [Opens the door.] + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Without.] Good evening. Is Miss Hegan here? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Standing up.] Father! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Won't you come in? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Thank you. [Enters; a tall, powerfully built man, with a square + jaw, wide, over-arching eyebrows, and keen eyes that peer at one; a + prominent nose, the aspect of the predatory eagle; a man accustomed to let + other people talk and to read their thoughts.] Why, Mr. Montague, you + here? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Mr. Hegan! Why, how do you do? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. We stumbled on each other by chance. Father, this is Miss + Patterson. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I am very pleased to meet you, Miss Patterson. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. How do you do, Mr. Hegan? + </p> + <p> + [They shake hands.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And Mr. Bullen. + </p> + <p> + BULLEN. [Remaining where he is; stiffly.] Good evening, Mr. Hegan. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Good evening, sir. [Turns to LAURA.] My dear, I finished up + downtown sooner than I expected, and I have another conference at the + house. I stopped off to see if you cared to come now, or if I should send + back the car for you. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I think you'd best send it back. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Why, yes... she only just got here. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Very well. + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Won't you stop a minute? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. No. I really can't. Mr. Grimes is waiting for me downstairs. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Involuntarily.] Mr. Grimes! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Robert Grimes? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Surprised.] Yes. Why? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Nothing; only we happened to be just talking about him. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I see. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Aggressively.] We happen to have one of his victims in the next + room. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Perplexed.] One of his victims? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Protesting.] Jack! + </p> + <p> + JACK. A daughter of the slums. One of the helpless girls who have to pay + the tribute that he... + </p> + <p> + [A piercing and terrifying scream is heard off right.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Annie! + </p> + <p> + [Runs off.] + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What's that? + </p> + <p> + [The screams continue.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Off.] Help! Help! + </p> + <p> + [Jack, who is nearest, leaps toward the door; but, before he can reach it, + it is flung violently open.] + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. [Enters, delirious, her bare arms and throat covered with bruises, + her hair loose, and her aspect wild; an Irish peasant girl, aged twenty.] + No! No! Let me go! + </p> + <p> + [Rushes into the opposite corner, and cowers in terror.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Following her.] Annie! Annie! + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. [Flings her off, and stretches out her arms.] What do you want with + me? Help! Help! I won't do it! I won't stay! Let me alone! + </p> + <p> + [Wild and frantic sobbing.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Annie, dear! Annie! Look at me! Don't you know me? I'm Julia! Your + own Julia! No one shall hurt you... no one! + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. [Stares at her wildly.] He's after me still! He'll follow me here! + He won't let me get away from him! Oh, save me! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. [Embracing her.] Listen to me, dear. Don't think of things like + that. You are in my home... nothing can hurt you. Don't let these evil + dreams take hold of you. + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. [Stares, as if coming out of a trance.] Why didn't you help me + before? + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Come, dear... come. + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. It's too late... too late! Oh... I can't forget about it! + </p> + <p> + JULIA. Yes, dear. I know... + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. [Seeing the others.] Who?... + </p> + <p> + JULIA. They are all friends; they will help you. Come, dear... lie down + again. + </p> + <p> + ANNIE. Oh, what shall I do? + </p> + <p> + [Is led off, sobbing.] + </p> + <p> + JULIA. It will be all right, dear. + </p> + <p> + [Exit; a pause.] + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What does this mean? + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Promptly and ruthlessly.] It means that you have been seeing the + white-slave traffic in action. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I don't understand. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Quietly, but with suppressed passion.] Tens of thousands of girl + slaves are needed for the markets of our great cities... for the lumber + camps of the North, the mining camps of the West, the ditches of Panama. + And every four or five years the supply must be renewed, and so the + business of gathering these girl-slaves from our slums is one of the great + industries of the city. This girl, Annie Rogers, a decent girl from the + North of Ireland, was lured into a dance hall and drugged, and then taken + to a brothel and locked in a third-story room. They took her clothing away + from her, but she broke down her door at night and fled to the street in + her wrapper and flung herself into Miss Patterson's arms. Two men were + pursuing her... they tried to carry her off. Miss Patterson called a + policeman... but he said the girl was insane. Only by making a disturbance + and drawing a crowd was my friend able to save her. And now, we have been + the rounds... from the sergeant at the station, and the police captain, to + the Chief of Police and the Mayor himself; we have been to the Tammany + leader of the district... the real boss of the neighborhood... and there + is no justice to be had anywhere for Annie Rogers! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Impossible! + </p> + <p> + JACK. You have my word for it, sir. And the reason for it is that this + hideous traffic is one of the main cogs in our political machine. The + pimps and the panders, the cadets and maquereaux... they vote the ticket + of the organization; they contribute to the campaign funds; they serve as + colonizers and repeaters at the polls. The tribute that they pay amounts + to millions; and it is shared from the lowest to the highest in the + organization... from the ward man on the street and the police captain, up + to the inner circle of the chiefs of Tammany Hall... yes, even to your + friend, Mr. Robert Grimes, himself! A thousand times, sir, has the truth + about this monstrous infamy been put before the people of your city; and + that they have not long ago risen in their wrath and driven its agents + from their midst is due to but one single fact... that this infamous + organization of crime and graft is backed at each election time by the + millions of the great public service corporations. It is they... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Interfering.] Bullen! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Let me go on! It is they, sir, who finance the thugs and repeaters + who desecrate our polls. It is they who suborn our press and blind the + eyes of our people. It is they who are responsible for this traffic in the + flesh of our women. It is they who have to answer for the tottering reason + of that poor peasant girl in the next room! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Has been listening to this speech, white with horror; as the + indictment proceeds, she covers her face with her hands; at this point she + breaks into uncontrollable weeping.] Oh! I can't stand it! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Springing to her side.] My dear! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Clasping him.] Father! Father! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My child! I have begged you not to come to these places! Why should + you see such things? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Wildly.] Why should I not see them, so long as they exist? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Angrily.] I won't have it. This is the end of it! I mean what I + say! Come home with me!... Come home at once! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. With Grimes? I won't meet that man! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Very well, then. You need not meet him. I'll call a cab, and take + you myself. Where are your things? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Looking to the left.] In that room. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Come, then. + </p> + <p> + [Takes her off.] + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Turns to MONTAGUE, and to JULIA, who appears in doorway at right.] + We gave it to them straight that time, all right! + </p> + <p> + [CURTAIN] <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT II + </h2> + <p> + Library of "The Towers," HEGAN's Long Island country place. A spacious + room, furnished luxuriously, but with good taste. A large table, with lamp + and books in the centre, and easy-chairs beside it. Up stage are French + windows leading to a veranda, with drive below; a writing desk between the + windows. Entrance right and left. A telephone stand left, and a clock on + wall right. [At rise: ANDREWS, standing by the table, opening some + letters.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Enters from veranda.] Good afternoon, Mr. Andrews. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Good afternoon, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Has father come yet? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. No; he said he'd he back about five. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Is he surely coming? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Oh, yes. He has an important engagement here. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He's working very hard these days. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. He has a good deal on his mind just now. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It's this Grand Avenue Railroad business. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Yes. If it should go against him, it would confuse his plans very + much. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Is the matter never going to be decided? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. We're expecting the decision any day now. That's why he's so much + concerned. He has to hold the market, you see... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. The decision's liable to affect the market? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Oh, yes... very much, indeed. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see. And then... + </p> + <p> + 'Phone rings. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Excuse me. Hello! Yes, this is Mr. Hegan's place. Mr. Montague? + Why, yes; I believe he's to be here this afternoon. Yes.. . wait a + moment... [To LAURA.] It's some one asking for Mr. Montague. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Who is it? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Hello! Who is this, please? [TO LAURA.] It's Mr. Bullen. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Mr. Bullen? I'll speak to him. [Takes 'phone.] Hello, Mr. Bullen! + This is Miss Hegan. I'm glad to hear from you. How are you? Why, yes, Mr. + Montague is coming out... I expect him here any time. He was to take the + three-five... just a moment. [Looks at clock.] If the train's on time, + he's due here now. We sent to meet him. Call up again in about five + minutes. Oh, you have to see him? As soon as that? Nothing wrong, I hope. + Well, he couldn't get back to the city until after six. Oh, then you're + right near us. Why don't you come over?... That's the quickest way. No; + take the trolley and come right across. I'll be delighted to see you. + What's that? Why, Mr. Bullen! How perfectly preposterous! My father + doesn't blame you for what happened. Don't think of it. Come right along. + I'll take it ill of you if you don't... truly I will. Yes; please do. + You'll just have time to get the next trolley. Get off at the Merrick + road, and I'll see there's an auto there to meet you. Very well. Good-bye. + [TO ANDREWS.] Mr. Andrews, will you see there's a car sent down to the + trolley to meet Mr. Bullen? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. All right. + </p> + <p> + [Exit.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Stands by table, in deep thought, takes a note from table and + studies it; shakes her head.] He didn't want to come. He doesn't want to + talk to me. But he must! Ah, there he is. [Sound of a motor heard. She + waits, then goes to the window.] Ah, Mr. Montague! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Enters centre.] Good afternoon, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You managed to catch the train, I see. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes. I just did. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is so good of you to come. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Not at all. I am glad to be here. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I just had a telephone call from Mr. Bullen. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Starting.] From Bullen? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes. He said he had to see you about something. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Eagerly.] Where was he? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He was at his brother's place. I told him to come here. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Oh! Is he coming? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes; he'll be here soon. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Thank you very much. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He said it was something quite urgent. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes. He has some important papers for me. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see he made a speech last night that stirred up the press. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Smiling.] Yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He is surely a tireless fighter. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It's such men as Bullen who keep the world moving. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And do you agree with him, Mr. Montague? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. In what way? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That the end of it all is to be a revolution. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I don't know, Miss Hegan. I find I am moving that way. I used to + think we could control capital. Now I am beginning to suspect that it is + in the nature of capital to have its way, and that if the people wish to + rule they must own the capital. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [After a pause.] Mr. Montague, I had to ask you to come out and see + me, because I'd promised my father I would not go into the city again for + a while. I've not been altogether well since that evening at Julia's. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I am sorry to hear that, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It's nothing, but it worries my father, you know. [pause.] I + thought we should be alone this afternoon, but I find that my father is + coming and... and Mr. Baker is coming also. So I mayn't have time to say + all I wished to say to you. But I must thank you for coming. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I was very glad to come, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I can appreciate your embarrassment at being asked to... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. No! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. We must deal frankly with each other. I know that you did not want + to come. I know that you have tried to put an end to our friendship. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Hesitates.] Miss Hegan, let me explain my position. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I think I understand it already. You have found evil conditions + which you wish to oppose, and you were afraid that our friendship might + stand in the way. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [In a low voice.] Miss Hegan, I came to New York an entire + stranger two years ago, and my brother introduced me to his rich friends. + By one of them I was asked to take charge of a law case. It was a case of + very great importance, which served to give me an opening into the inner + life of the city. I discovered that, in their blind struggle for power, + our great capitalists had lost all sense of the difference between honesty + and crime. I found that trust funds were being abused... that courts and + legislatures were being corrupted... the very financial stability of the + country was being wrecked. The thing shocked me to the bottom of my soul, + and I set to work to give the public some light on the situation. Then, + what happened, Miss Hegan? My newly made rich friends cut me a deal; they + began to circulate vile slanders about me... they insulted me openly, on + more than one occasion. So, don't you see? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes. I see. But could you not have trusted a friendship such as + ours? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I did not dare. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You saw that you had to fight my father, and you thought that I + would blindly take his side. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Hesitating.] I... I couldn't suppose... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Listen. You have told me your situation; now imagine mine. Imagine + a girl brought up in luxury, with a father whom she loves very dearly, and + who loves her more than any one else in the world. Everything is done to + make her happy... to keep her contented and peaceful. But as she grows up, + she reads and listens... and, little by little, it dawns upon her that her + father is one of the leaders in this terrible struggle that you have + spoken of. She hears about wrongdoing; she is told that her father's + enemies have slandered him. At first, perhaps, she believes that. But time + goes on... she sees suffering and oppression... she begins to realize a + little of cause and effect. She wants to help, she wants to do right, but + there is no way for her to know. She goes to one person after another, and + no one will deal frankly with her. No one will tell her the truth... + absolutely no one! [Leaning forward with intensity.] No one! No one! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I see. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. So it was with you... and with our friendship. I knew that you had + broken it off for such reasons. I knew that there was nothing personal... + it was nothing that I had done... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. No! Surely not! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Gazes about nervously.] And then the other night... you told me + you were investigating the traction companies of New York.. . their + connection with politics, and so on. Ever since then I have felt that you + were the one person I must talk with. Don't you see? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes; I see. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I have sought for some one who will tell me the truth. Will you? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [In a low voice.] You must realize what you are asking of me, + Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I have not brought you here without realizing that. You must help + me! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Very well. I will do what I can. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Leaning forward.] I wish to know about my father. I wish to know + to what extent he is involved in these evils that you speak of. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Your father is in the game, and he has played it the way the + game is played. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Has he been better than the others, or worse? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. About the same, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He has been more successful than they. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. He has been very successful. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You were concerned in some important deal with my father, were you + not? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I was. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Then you withdrew. Was that because there was something wrong in + it? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It was, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. There were corrupt things done? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. There were many kinds of corrupt things done. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And was my father responsible for them? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Directly? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes; directly. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Then my father is a bad man? MONTAGUE. [After a pause.] Your father + finds himself in the midst of an evil system. He is the victim of + conditions which he did not create. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Ah, now you are trying to spare me! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. No. I should say that to any one. I am at war with the system... + not with individuals. It is the old story of hating the sin and loving the + sinner. Your father's rivals are just as reckless as he take Murdock, for + instance, the man who is behind this Grand Avenue Railroad matter. It is + hard for a woman to understand that situation. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I can understand some things very clearly. I go down into the slums + and I see all that welter of misery. I see the forces of evil that exist + there, defiant and hateful... the saloons and the gambling-houses, and + that ghastly white-slave traffic, of which Annie Rogers is the victim. And + there is the political organization, taking its toll from all these, and + using it to keep itself in power. And there is Boss Grimes, who is at the + head of all... and he is one of my father's intimate associates. I ask + about it, and I am told that it is a matter of "business." But why should + my father do business with a man whose chief source of income is vice? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. That is not quite the case, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Doesn't the vice tribute go to him? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Part of it does, I have no doubt. But it would be a very small + part of his income. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. What then? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. The vice graft serves for the police and the district leaders + and the little men; what really pays nowadays is what has come to be + called "honest graft." + </p> + <p> + LAURA. What is that? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. The business deals that are trade with the public service + corporations. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Ah! That is what I wish to know about! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. For instance, I am running a street railway... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Quickly.] My father is running them all! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Very well. Your father is in alliance with the organization; he + is given franchises and public privileges for practically nothing; and in + return he gives the contracts for constructing the subways and street-car + lines to companies organized by the politicians. These companies are + simply paper companies... they farm out the contracts to the real + builders, skimming off a profit of twenty or thirty per cent. One of these + companies received contracts last year to the value of thirty million + dollars. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And so that is how Grimes gets his money? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Grimes' brother is the president of the company I have reference + to. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see; it is a regular system. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It is a business, and there is no way to punish it... it does + not violate any law... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And yet it is quite as bad! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It is far worse, because of its vast scope. It carries every + form of corruption in its train. It means the prostitution of our whole + system of government... the subsidizing of our newspapers, and of the + great political parties. It means that judges are chosen who will decide + in favor of the corporations; that legislators are nominated who will + protect them against attack. It means everywhere the enthronement of + ignorance and incompetence, of injustice and fraud. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And in the end the public pays for it? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. In the end the public pays for everything. The stolen franchises + are unloaded on the market for ten times what they cost, and the people + pay their nickels for a wretched, broken-down service. They pay for it in + the form of rent and taxes for a dishonest administration. Every + struggling unfortunate in the city pays for it, when he comes into contact + with the system... when he seeks for help, or even for justice. It was + that side of it that shocked me most of all... I being a lawyer, you see. + The corrupting of our courts... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. The judges are bought, Mr. Montague? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. The judges are selected, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Selected! I see. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. And that system prevails from the Supreme Court of the State + down to the petty Police Magistrates, before whom the poor come to plead. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And that is why the white-slave traffic goes unpunished! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. That is why. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And why no one would move a hand for Annie Rogers! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. That is why. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And my father is responsible for it! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Gravely.] Yes; I think he is, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + A PAUSE. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Have you seen Julia Patterson lately? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I saw her last night. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And how is Annie? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. She... [Hesitates.] She is dead. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starting.] Oh! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. She died the night before last. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Stares at him, then gives a wild start, and cries] She... she... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. She killed herself. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Oh! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. She cut her throat. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Hides her face and sinks against the table, shuddering and + overcome.] Oh, the poor girl! The poor, poor girl! [Suddenly she springs + up.] Can't you see? Can't you see? It is things like that that are driving + me to distraction! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Starting toward her.] Miss Hegan... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Covering her face again.] Oh! oh! It is horrible! I can't stand + it! I... + </p> + <p> + [Sound of motor heard; they listen.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That is my father's car... Mr. Montague, will you excuse me? I must + have a talk with my father... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Certainly. Let me go away... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. No; please wait. Just take a little stroll. I... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Certainly, I understand. + </p> + <p> + [Exit right.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Seeks to compose herself; then goes to window.] Father! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Off.] Yes, dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Come here. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Enters.] What is it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father, I have just had dreadful news.. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Annie Rogers... that poor girl, you know... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. She has killed herself. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. No! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. She cut her own throat. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Oh, my dear! [Starts toward her.] I am so sorry... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Quickly.] No, father! Listen! You must talk to me... you must talk + to me this time! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My child... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You cannot put me off. You cannot, I tell you! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Laura, dear, you are upset... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. No! That is not so! I have perfect control of myself. There is no + use crying... the girl is dead. That can't be helped. But I mean to + understand about it. I mean to know who is responsible for her death. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear, these evils are hard to know of... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That house to which that girl was taken... there is a law against + such places, is there not? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And why is not the law enforced? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. It has not been found possible to enforce such laws. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But why not? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, my dear, this evil... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. These people pay money to the police, do they not? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, yes; I imagine... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Don't tell me what you imagine... tell me what you know! They pay + money to the police, don't they? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Then why should the police not be punished? Do those who control + the police get some of the money? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Some of them, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That is, the leaders of Tammany. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Possibly... yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And Mr. Grimes... he gets some of it? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, my dear... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Tell me! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But really, Laura, I never asked him what he gets. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [With intensity.] Father, you must understand me! I will not be + trifled with... I am in desperate earnest! I am determined to get to the + bottom of this thing! I am no longer a child, and you must not try to + deceive me! Mr. Grimes must get some of that money! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I think it possible, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And do you get any? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Good God, Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Then what is the nature of your relationship with Grimes? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Really, my child, this is not fair of you. I have business + connections which you cannot possibly understand... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I can understand everything that you are willing for me to + understand! I want to know why you must have business connections with a + man like Boss Grimes. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear, I think you might take your father's word in such a case. + It has nothing to do with vice, I can assure you. Grimes is a business + ally of mine. He is a rich man, a great power in New York... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Do you help to keep him a power in New York? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, I don't know... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Do you contribute to his campaign funds? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, Laura! I am a Democrat. Surely I have a right to support my + party! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Quickly.] Have you ever contributed to the Republican campaign + funds? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Disconcerted; laughs.] Why... really... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Please answer me. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I am a Gold Democrat, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see. [She Pauses.] You put Mr. Grimes in the way of making a + great deal of money, do you not? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I do that. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He is interested in companies that you give contracts to? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Really! You seem to be informed about my affairs! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I have taken some trouble to inform myself. Father, don't you + realize what it means to corrupt the government of the city in this way? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Corrupt the government, my dear? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Does not Grimes have the nominating of judges and legislators? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, yes... in a way... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And does he not consult with you? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, my dear... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Please tell me. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Realizing that he cannot make any more admissions.] No, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Never? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Absolutely never. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He has never made any attempt to influence the courts in your + favor? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Never. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Not in any way, father? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Not in any way. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Nor in favor of your companies? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. No, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You mean, you can give me your word of honor that that is the + truth? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I can, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And that none of your lawyers do it? Do you mean that the courts + escape your influence... + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Intensely.] Father! Is it nothing to you that I have the blood of + that poor girl on my conscience? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My child! + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I see, my dear, that you are frightfully overwrought, and that you + are making yourself ill. Can't you imagine what it means to me to have you + acting in this way? Here I am at one of the gravest crises of my life; I + am working day and night, under frightful strain... I have hardly slept + six hours in the past three days. And here, when I get a chance for a + moment's rest, you come and put me through such an ordeal! You never think + of that! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It's just what I do think of! Why must you torture yourself so? + Why... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear, I, too, am in the grip of the system you speak of. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But why? Why stay in it? Haven't we money enough yet? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I have duties by which I am bound... interests that I must protect. + How can I... [A knock.] Come in! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Enters.] Here are the papers, Mr. Hegan. They must be signed now + if they're to catch this mail. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. All right. + </p> + <p> + [Sits at desk up stage and writes.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Stands by table, staring before her; picks up book carelessly from + table.] "Ivanhoe"... [Fingers it idly and a slip of paper falls to floor. + She picks it up, glances at it, then starts.] Oh!.. . [Reads.] "Memo to + G., two hundred thousand on Court deal. GRIMES." Two hundred thousand on + Court deal! [Glances back at her father; then replaces slip and lays book + on table.] Father, have you read "Ivanhoe"? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Without looking up.] I'm reading it now. Why? Do you want it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. No; I just happened to notice it here. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Looks up sharply, watches her, then finishes writing.] There! + [Rises; the sound of a motor heard.] What's that? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Near window.] It's Mr. Grimes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starting.] Grimes! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [TO ANDREWS.] Bring him in. + </p> + <p> + [ANDREWS exit.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father! Why do you bring that man here? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I'll not do it again, dear. I didn't realize. He happened to be in + the neighborhood... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I won't meet him! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Putting his arm about her.] Very well, dear; come away. Try to + stop worrying yourself now, for the love of me... + </p> + <p> + [Leads her off left.] + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [At window.] This way, Mr. Grimes. + </p> + <p> + [GRIMES enters; a powerfully built, broad-shouldered man of about fifty, + with a massive jaw, covered with a scrubby beard; the face of a bulldog; a + grim, masterful man, who never speaks except when he has to. He enters and + seats himself in a chair by the table.] Will you have a cigar? [Grimes + takes a cigar, without comment, and chews on it; sits, staring in front of + him.] Mr. Hegan will be here directly, Sir. + </p> + <p> + [He nods, and ANDREWS exit. GRIMES continues to chew and stare in front of + him. He is not under the necessity of making superfluous motions.] + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Enters left.] Hello, Grimes! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Hello! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Betraying anxiety.] Well? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. It's done. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. It's done. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Good! [Grimes nods.] How did you manage it? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Grimly.] I put my hand on 'em! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Which one? Porter? [GRIMES nods.] Oh, the old hypocrite! What did + you offer him? Cash? [GRIMES shakes his head slowly.] What? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Discipline! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Perplexed.] But... a judge! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. When a man's once mine, he stays mine... no matter if it's a life + job I give him. + </p> + <p> + MEGAN. But are you sure it's safe? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. The decision comes tomorrow. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Starting.] What? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Tomorrow noon. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But how can they write the decision? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. They'll adopt the minority opinion. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Oh! I see! + </p> + <p> + [Chuckles.] + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. You be ready. + </p> + <p> + MEGAN. Trust me! I'll have to go in now. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. It'll be a great killing. Old Murdock has plunged up to his neck! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I know! We'll lay them flat. I'll get ready. [Rises.] Old Porter! + Think of it! When did you see him? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Last night. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I see. I'll be with you. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Just a moment. I'll take the money. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Oh, yes. Why don't you let me hold it and buy for you? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I'll buy for myself. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Very well. + </p> + <p> + [Sits at desk.] + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. It's two hundred thousand. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. That's right. [Writes a check, rises and gives it to Grimes.] + There. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Studies the check, nods, and puts it away carefully.] When's the + next train? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. In about ten minutes. [Rings bell.] Andrews! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Enters left.] Yes, Sir. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I'm going into town at once. Telephone orders to the house. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Yes, sir. And shall I come in this evening? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes; you'd better. And telephone Mr. Isaacson and Mr. Henry Sterns + to meet me at eight o'clock for an important conference at.. . let me see, + where? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. At my rooms. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Very good. And they're not to fail on any account. It's urgent. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Yes, sir. + </p> + <p> + [HEGAN and GRIMES go off centre. ANDREWS remains sorting papers. A knock, + right.] + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Come in! + </p> + <p> + [MONTAGUE enters.] + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Oh, good afternoon. I was looking for you, Mr. Montague. Mr. + Bullen has come. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Oh! Where is he? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. He's waiting. I'll tell him you're here. + </p> + <p> + [Exit right.] + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Stands at window and sees motor departing.] Grimes! I wonder + what that means? [Turns away.] And what a coincidence, that I should be + here! Humph! Well, it's not my doings. Ah! Bullen! + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Enters, right, in great excitement.] Montague! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes. + </p> + <p> + JACK. I've got 'em! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. What? + </p> + <p> + JACK. I've got 'em! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. You don't mean it! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Got 'em dead! Got everything! There's never been a case like it! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Gazing about.] Ssh! Where was it? + </p> + <p> + JACK. At Judge Porter's house. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. What? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Yes.... Grimes came there. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. When? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Last night. My friend was in the next room... he heard everything! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. And what are they going to do? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Porter is to switch over, and sign the minority opinion, and that's + to come out as the decision of the Court. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Good God! When? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Tomorrow. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Impossible! + </p> + <p> + JACK. There's to be a meeting of the judges this afternoon. See... here's + the decision! [Takes paper from pocket.] The one they mean to kill! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Looks at paper.] Merciful heavens! + </p> + <p> + JACK. And look here! [Unfolds a paper, which has pasted on it bits of a + torn and charred note.] He threw this in the fireplace, and it didn't + burn. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Bullen! + </p> + <p> + JACK. In Grimes' own handwriting: "My Dear Porter—I will call"... + you can see what that word was... "at eight-thirty. Very urgent." How's + that? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Man, it's ghastly! [A pause.] How did you manage to get these? + </p> + <p> + JACK. It's a long story. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. How did Grimes work it? Money? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Not a dollar. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. What then? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Just bluffed him. Party loyalty! What was he named for? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. But in a suit like this! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Never was a better test! If Hegan lost this case, he'd be wiped off + the slate, and the organization might go down at the next election. And + what were you put in for, judge Porter? Don't you see? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I see! It takes my breath away! + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Looking about.] And what a place for us to meet in! Did you see + Grimes? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes. + </p> + <p> + JACK. I'll wager he came to tell Hegan about it. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. No doubt of it. + </p> + <p> + JACK. God! I'd give one hand to have heard them! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Don't wish that! It's embarrassing enough as it is! + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Staring at him.] You'll see it through? You won't back out? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Oh, I'll see it through... trust me for that. But it's devilish + awkward! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Why did you come here? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I tried not to. But Miss Hegan insisted. + </p> + <p> + JACK. [Laughing.] The same here! I was fair caught! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. And now she'll think we learned it here. I'll have to explain to + her... + </p> + <p> + JACK. What? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I Must! + </p> + <p> + JACK. No! [LAURA appears at windows, centre, and hears the rest, which is + in excited tones.] It is not to be thought of! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. But I can't help it, man! Miss Hegan will think I've been + eavesdropping! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Do you realize what you're proposing, man? You'll ruin everything! + We've got Grimes dead... we can land him in jail! But if Hegan heard any + whisper of it, they'd balk everything! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. But how? + </p> + <p> + JACK. They'd hold up the decision of the Court... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Nonsense! With all that they'd stand to lose... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Coming forward.] I beg pardon, Mr. Bullen. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Oh! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I didn't wish to hear what you were saying. But I couldn't help it. + I was caught unawares. [The three stare at each other.] It is something + that involves my father. [Looking at the papers in BULLEN's hands.] Mr. + Bullen has brought you some evidence. Is that so, Mr. Montague? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [In a low voice.] Yes, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you wished to take me into your confidence? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I wished to make it impossible for you to think we had obtained + this evidence in your home. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I See. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. You will do us the justice to recognize that we did not seek + admission here. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes; I do that. [A pause.] All that I can say is, that if you think + it best to take me into your confidence, you may trust me to the bitter + end. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Miss Hegan, Mr. Bullen has brought me evidence which proves that + the decision of the Court, which is to be made known tomorrow, has been... + improperly affected. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Quickly.] By whom? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. By Robert Grimes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starts wildly.] And the evidence involves my father? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Your father will be the chief one to profit from the change. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Sinks back against the table; stares away from them, whispering.] + To Grimes... two hundred thousand on Court deal! I see! I see! [Faces + them, weakly.] And what... what do you mean to do? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I intend to wait until the decision has been announced, which + will be tomorrow, and then to call a public meeting and present the + evidence. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starts to implore him; then controls herself.] Yes, yes... that is + just. But then... see! It hasn't been done yet! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. How do you mean? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. The decision hasn't come out. It could be stopped! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Why stop it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That would prevent the wrong! I would... oh, I see! You want to + expose Grimes! You'd rather it happened! + </p> + <p> + JACK. The crime has already been committed. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you, Mr. Montague... you prefer it so? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I had never thought of any other possibility. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Listen! I don't understand the matter very clearly. The Grand + Avenue Railroad case... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It is an effort to annul a franchise which was obtained by + proven bribery. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Then, if the public could win, it would be worth while, would it + not? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It would establish a precedent of vast importance. But how could + that be done? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. We have a hold upon these men... we could compel them to give way! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. They would never do it, Miss Hegan... they have too much at + stake. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But... the evidence you have! Mr. Bullen said you could send Grimes + to jail. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. That was just wild talk. Grimes has the district attorney and + the courts. He could never be punished for anything. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But the exposure! + </p> + <p> + JACK. He's been exposed a hundred times. What does that matter to him? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But then... my father is involved. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Quite true, Miss Hegan... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And I can make him see how wrong it is. + </p> + <p> + JACK. You can make him see it! But you can't make him do anything! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Ah, but you don't know my father... truly, you don't. He does these + evil things, but at heart he's a kind and loyal man! And he loves me... I + am his only daughter... and I can help him to see what is right. We have + always understood each other; he will listen to me as he would not to any + one else in the world. + </p> + <p> + JACK. But what can you say to him? We can't put our evidence in your + hands... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I don't need your evidence. I must tell you that I, too, have found + out something about this case. I know that my father paid Mr. Grimes to + influence the decision of that Court. And I know how much he paid him. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Miss Hegan! + </p> + <p> + JACK. Good God! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You see, I am not afraid to trust you.... [A pause.] What is the + nature of your evidence against Grimes? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It comes from an eye-witness of his interview with the judge. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And it is some one you can trust? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It's for Bullen to tell you. + </p> + <p> + JACK. The judge has a nephew, a dissipated chap, whose inheritance he is + holding back... and who hates him in consequence. The nephew happens to be + a college chum of mine. He witnessed the interview and he brought me the + evidence. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see. Then, certainly, I have a case. And don't you see what a + hold that gives me upon my father? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Miss Hegan, you are a brave woman, and I would like to give way to + you. But you could accomplish nothing. This suit, which is nominally in + the public interest, is really backed by Murdock and his crowd, who are + fighting your father; you must realize his position.. . the thousand ties + that bind him... all the habits of a lifetime! Think of the friends he has + to protect; you don't know... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I know it all. And, on the other hand, I know some things that you + do not know. I know that my father is not a happy man. There is a canker + eating at his heart... the fruit of life has turned to ashes on his lips. + And he has one person in all this world that he loves.. . myself. He has + toiled and fought for me... all these years he has told himself that he + was making his money for me. And now he finds that it brings me only + misery and grief... it is as useless to me as it is to him! And now, + suppose I should go to him and say: "Father, you have committed a crime. + And I cannot stand it another hour. You must choose here and now... you + must give up this fight against the people... you must give up this + career, and come with me and help me to do good in the world. Or else"... + [her voice breaking.]... "I shall have to leave you! I shall refuse to + touch a dollar of your money; I shall refuse in any way to share your + guilt!" Don't you see? He will know that I am speaking the truth... and + that I mean every word of it. Oh, gentlemen, believe me... my father would + be as strong to atone for his injustices as he has been to commit them! + Surely, you can't refuse me this chance to save him? + </p> + <p> + JACK. Miss Hegan... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. For God's sake, Jack... + </p> + <p> + JACK. Excuse me, Montague. How long would you expect us to wait, Miss + Hegan? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You need not wait at all. You could go right ahead with your own + plans. Meantime, I can go to my father... I will have tonight to plead + with him, and tomorrow morning you will know if I have succeeded. + </p> + <p> + JACK. Very well... I will consent to that. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Let Mr. Montague come to my father's office tomorrow morning at ten + o'clock. I shall not give him up... even if I have to follow him there! + And now... good-bye... [Starts toward the door, breaks down and cries.] + Thank you! Thank you! + </p> + <p> + [Stretches out her hands to them.] + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Springing toward her.] Miss Hegan! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Give me a little courage! Tell me you think I shall succeed! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Seizing her hand.] I believe you will, Miss Hegan! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Ah! Thank you! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Kisses her hand; tries to speak; overcome.] Good-bye! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Exit.] Ah, God! + </p> + <p> + JACK. I understand, old man! If only she weren't so rich! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. If only she weren't... + </p> + <p> + JACK. Yes, yes, dear boy; I know how it is. You're troubled with a + conscience, and yours must be strictly a cottage affair! But forget it + just now, old fellow... we've got work before us. Play ball! + </p> + <p> + [Takes him by the shoulder; they go off.] + </p> + <p> + [CURTAIN] <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ACT III + </h2> + <p> + HEGAN'S office in Wall street. A large room, furnished with severe + simplicity. At the left a large table, with half a dozen chairs about it, + and a "ticker" near the wall; at the right, a flat-topped desk and a + telephone. Entrance centre. + </p> + <p> + [At rise: ANDREWS stands by desk; takes some papers, looks them over, + makes note and replaces them.] + </p> + <p> + PARKER. [Enters.] Say, Andrews, what's the reply to these letters of the + Fourth National? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Give them here; I'll see to them. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. Any orders for the brokers this morning? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I'm writing them myself. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. Something special, eh? All right. [Looks at ticker.] Hello! Listen + to this: "There is a rumor, widely current, that the decision of the Court + of Appeals in the matter of the Public vs. the Grand Avenue Railroad + Company will be handed down to-day!" Gee whiz, I wonder if that's so? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I have heard the rumor. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. There was a reporter here yesterday, trying to pump me. I'll bet + they're watching the boss. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Yes; no doubt of that. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. Cracky! I'd like to know which way it'll go! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. A good many others would like to know, I've no doubt. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. I'll bet my hat the boss knows! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. It may be. + </p> + <p> + [A pause; PARKER continues to read ticker.] + </p> + <p> + PARKER. I don't suppose you've heard anything, have you? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I never hear, Parker. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. Oh, say... come off. Why don't you drop a fellow a hint now and + then? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I can't afford to. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. It would never go beyond me. [A pause.] Say, Andrews. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Well? + </p> + <p> + PARKER. Would you like to invest a bit for me now and then? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I'm not hankering to, especially. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. I'll go halves with you on the profits. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. And how about the losses? + </p> + <p> + PARKER. There wouldn't be any losses. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Cut it out, Parker... we don't want that kind of a thing in the + office. [Handing him paper.] Here... I want three copies of this. And take + my advice and live on your salary. + </p> + <p> + PARKER. Thanks. I wish the salary increased as fast as the bills do! + [Starts to door; sees LAURA.] Oh! Good morning, Miss Hegan! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Enters hurriedly.] Good morning. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Good morning, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + PARKER exit. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Mr. Andrews, where was my father last night? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. He had an important conference... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He did not come to the house. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. No, Miss Hegan; it was too late. He stayed downtown... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you were not home, either. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I was with him. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is too bad! I have been trying all night to find either of you. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Why... your father had no idea when he left... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I know. Something has turned up... + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Nothing wrong, I hope. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I must see my father as soon as possible. Ile will be here this + morning? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Any minute, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. He will surely come? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Not the slightest doubt of it. Nothing could keep him away. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I wish to see him the moment he comes. And if he should call up or + send word... + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I will see that he is informed, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Thank you. [A pause.] The Court decision is expected to-day, is it + not, Mr. Andrews? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Hesitates.] There has been a rumor, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And so there will be considerable disturbance of the market? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Presumably. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And my father has made preparations? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Yes. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That is what the conference was about? + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. I presume so, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. By the way, Mr. Andrews, I expect Mr. Montague here at ten o'clock. + Please let me know when he comes. + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Yes, Miss Hegan. [Goes to the door, then turns.] Here is Mr. + Hegan now. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starting up.] Ah! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Holding open door.] Good morning, Mr. Hegan. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Enters.] Good morning. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, Laura! [ANDREWS exit.] What are you doing here? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I've come to have a talk with you. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. To have a talk with me? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Come in, please, father. Shut the door. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, my dear; but... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I came into the city on the next train after you. I have been + hunting for you ever since... I have been up all night. I have something + of the utmost urgency to talk with you about. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What is it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Come and sit down, please. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Listen, father. Yesterday afternoon, when we were talking, you told + me that you had never done anything to influence the courts in their + decisions. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, Laura. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you told me that nobody else ever did it, either for you or for + your companies. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, but... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And, father, you told me a falsehood. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I am very sorry, but I have to say it. It was a falsehood; and it + is but one of many falsehoods that you have told me. I understand just why + you did it you think I ought not to ask about these things, because it + will make me unhappy; and so, for my own good, you do not hesitate to tell + me things that are not true. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My child, it is your father that you are talking to! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is my father, and a father who knows that I love him very + dearly, and who will realize it hurts me to say these things, fully as + much as it hurts him to hear them. But they must be said... and said now. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why now? Just at this moment... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I know what you are going to say. At this moment you are very + busy... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear, the Exchange will open in an hour. And I am in the midst + of a big campaign. I have important orders for my brokers, and a hundred + other matters to attend to. And I expect Grimes here any minute... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Grimes? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You are not through with him yet, then? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. No, Laura... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Well, even so! Mr. Grimes must wait until I have said what I have + to say to you. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What is it, Laura? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You are expecting the decision of the Court of Appeals on the Grand + Avenue Railroad case at noon today. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why, yes... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. The decision will be in your favor. And you and Grimes are planning + to gamble on it, and to make a great deal of money. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you paid Grimes two hundred thousand dollars to fix the + decision of the Court. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Starting violently.] Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Grimes went to judge Porter's house the night before last and + induced him to change his vote on the case. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And so, what was to have been the minority opinion of the Court is + to be given out today as the Court's decision. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My God! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You do not deny that this is the truth? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. You overheard us at the house! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Not one word, father. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But you must have! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father, throughout this conversation, you may honor me by assuming + that I am telling you the absolute truth. And I will be glad when you will + give me the same privilege. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Then, how did you learn it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That, unfortunately, I am not at liberty to tell you. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Then other people know it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. They do. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Good God! [Stares at her, dumbfounded.] Who are these people? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I cannot tell you that. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But, Laura... you must! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is impossible. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But... how can that be? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I cannot discuss the matter. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But think... my dear! I am your father, and you must trust me... + you must help me... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Please do not ask me. I have given my word. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Your word! [Gazes about, distracted.] You take the part of others + against your own flesh and blood! + </p> + <p> + 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... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But, my child, realize what it will mean if this comes out! Are + these people among my enemies? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. That depends upon circumstances. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I don't understand you. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I will try to explain, if you will be patient with me. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Go on! Go on! + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. In what way are you responsible? + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I see. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What do you wish me to do? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But, my dear, that is madness! How can I... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You compelled Grimes to do this thing... you can compel him to undo + it! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But, my dear, it would ruin me! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. If you do what I ask you to do, ruin will not matter. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. What do you ask me? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I wish you to stop this mad career... to give up this money game... + to drop it utterly! To stop selling stocks and manipulating markets; to + stop buying politicians and franchises... to sell out everything... to + withdraw. I want you to do it now... today.. . this very hour! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But, my dear... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I want you to come with me, and help me to find happiness again, by + doing some good in the world. I want you to use your power and your + talents to help people, instead of to destroy them. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My child! That is something very easy to talk about, but not so + easy to do! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. We will work together, and find ways to do it. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. It seems possible, from your point of view... with your noble + ideals, and your sheltered life... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. My sheltered life! That is just what I can no longer endure! That I + should have ease and comfort, while others suffer... that my father should + take part in this mad struggle for money and power, in order to give me a + sheltered life! I must make it impossible for that to continue! I must + make you understand that all your money is powerless to bring me + happiness... that it is poisoning my life as well as your own! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Gravely.] Laura, I have tried to protect you... that is the + natural instinct of a father... to keep evil things from his daughter's + knowledge. If I have told you untruths, as you say, that has been the one + reason. But since you will not have it so... since you must face the facts + of the world... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I Must! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Very well, then... you shall face them. You tell me to give up this + case... to change back the Court's decision, so that the public may reap + the advantage. Do you realize that the public has nothing to do with this + suit?... That it is a covert attack upon me by an unscrupulous enemy? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You mean Murdock? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Murdock. You know something of his career, perhaps... something of + his private life, too. And if I should turn back, as you ask, the public + would gain nothing... he would be the only one to profit. He would raid my + securities; he would throw my companies into bankruptcy; he would draw my + associates away from me... in the end, he would take my place in the + traction field. Is that what you wish to bring about? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is not that that I am thinking of. It is the corrupting of the + Court... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. The Court! Do you know why Grimes and I had to do what we did? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. No. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. And yet you have judged me! What would you say if I told you that + we had information that one of the judges had received a thousand shares + of Grand Avenue stock from Murdock? And that another had been promised a + seat in the United States Supreme Court by that eminent Republican? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Oh! Horrible! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. You see what the game is? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But, father! The buying and selling of the powers of the + Government... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. The "Government" consisting of politicians who have gotten + themselves elected for the purpose of selling out to the highest bidder. + For ten years now I have been in charge of these properties. .. I have had + the interests of thousands of investors in my keeping... and all the while + I have been like a man surrounded by a pack of wolves. I defended myself + as I could... in the end, I found that the best way to defend was by + attacking. In other words, I had to go into politics, to make the control + of the "Government" a part of my business. Don't you see? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Yes, I see. But why play such a game? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Why? Because it is the only game I have ever known... the only game + there is to play. That is the way I have lived my life... the way I have + risen to power and command. I played it for myself, and for my friends, + and for those I loved. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You played it for me! And, oh! father! father!... Can't you see + what that means to me? To realize that all my life has been based upon + such things! Don't you see how I can't let it go on... how, if you refuse + to do what I ask you to, it will be impossible for me to touch a dollar of + your money? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Just that, father! I should never again be able to face my + conscience! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [After a pause.] Listen to me, dear. You know that I have always + meant to withdraw... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I know that. And that has been a confession! You know that you are + wrecking your life-wrecking everything! And if you mean to stop, why not + stop? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But, my dear, at this moment... in the midst of the battle. .. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Broken and crushed, sits staring at her.] Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Stretching out her arms to him.] Father! A knock at the door; they + start. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Enters.] Oh! Beg pardon! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Come in. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starting up.] No! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Come in! You must know it! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. What is it? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Shut the door! Grimes, the game is up! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. How d'ye mean? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. We've been betrayed. Somebody knows all about the Court decision... + about what passed between you and Porter, and between you and me! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. The hell you say! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. We're threatened with exposure! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Who is it? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I don't know. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. But, then... + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My daughter tells me. But she is not at liberty to give the names. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Well, I'll be damned! [He stares from HEGAN to LAURA; then comes + and sits, very deliberately, where he can gaze at them. A long pause; + then, nodding toward them.] What's her game? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Weakly.] She will tell you. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Looking at her.] Well? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I am here to plead with my father to turn back from this + wickedness. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Stares.] And do what, ma'am? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Quit Wall Street, and devote himself to some useful work. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [After a pause.] And if he won't? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I have told him he must choose between his present career and his + daughter's love. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Gazes at LAURA, then in front of him; slowly shakes his head.] I + can't make out our young people. When I was a boy, young women looked up + to their parents. What's your father done to you, that you should turn + against him? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I have not turned against him, Mr. Grimes. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Indicating HEGAN, who sits in an attitude of despair.] Look at + him! + </p> + <p> + [A pause.] + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I am pleading with him for his own good... to give up this cruel + struggle... + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. To turn tail and run from his enemies? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is of my duty to the public that I am thinking, Mr. Grimes. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. You owe no duty to this world higher than your duty to your + father. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You think that? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I think it. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Hesitates a moment, then turns.] Father! What do you say? Is that + true? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. [Crushed.] I don't know, my dear. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. God Almighty! And this is Jim Hegan! [To LAURA.] Where'd you get + onto these ideas, ma'am? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [In a low voice.] I think, Mr. Grimes, it might be best if you did + not ask me to discuss this question. Our points of view are too different. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Shrugs his shoulders.] As you please, ma'am. But you needn't mind + me... I ain't easy to offend. And I'm only trying to understand you. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [After a silence.] Mr. Grimes, I had the good fortune to be brought + up in a beautiful and luxurious home; but not long ago I began to go down + into the slums and see the homes of the people. I saw sights that made me + sick with horror. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. No doubt, ma'am. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I found the people in the grip of a predatory organization that had + bound them hand and foot, and was devouring them alive. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. You've been listening to tales, ma'am. We do a lot for the people. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You treat them to free coal and free picnics and free beer, and so + you get their votes; and then you sell them out to capitalists like my + father. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Humph! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You sell them out to any one, high or low, who will pay for the + privilege of exploiting them. You sell them to the rum-dealer and the + dive-keeper and the gambler. You sell them to the white-slave trader. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. There's no such person, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You offer an insult to my intelligence, Mr. Grimes. I have met with + him and his work. There was a girl of the slums... her name was Annie + Rogers. She was a decent girl; and she was lured into a dive and drugged + and shut up in a brothel, a prisoner. She escaped to the street, pursued, + and a friend of mine saved her. And, high and low, among the authorities + of this city, we sought for justice for that girl, and there was no + justice to be had. Yesterday afternoon I learned that she cut her own + throat. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I see. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And that happened, Mr. Grimes! It happened in the City of New York! + I saw it with my own eyes! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Such things have been, ma'am. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. And you permit them. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You permit them + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I can't attempt to discuss prostitution with a lady. Such things + existed long before I was born. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You could use your power to drive the traffic from the city. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Yes, ma'am; I suppose I could. But if I'd been that sort of a man, + do you think I'd ever had the power? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. How neatly parried! What sort of a man are you, anyway? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Looks at hey fixedly.] I'll tell you the sort of man I am, ma'am. + [A pause.] I wasn't brought up in a beautiful, luxurious home. I was + brought up with five brothers, in two rooms on the top floor of a rear + tenement on Avenue B; I was a little street "mick," and then I was a prize + "scrapper," and the leader of a gang. When a policeman chased me upstairs, + my mother stood at the head and fought him off with a rolling-pin. That + was the way we stood by our children, ma'am; and we looked to them to + stand by us. Once, when I was older, my enemies tried to do me... they + charged me with a murder that I never done, ma'am. But d'ye think my old + father ever stopped to ask if I done it or not, ma'am? Not much. "Don't + mention that, Bob, my boy," says he... "it's all part of the fight, an' + we're wid yer." [A pause.] I looked about me at the world, ma'am, and I + found it was full of all sorts of pleasant things, that I'd never had, and + never stood a chance of havin'. They were for the rich... the people on + top. And they looked on with scorn... I was poor and I was low, and I + wasn't fit for anything. And so I set to climb, ma'am. I shouldered my way + up. I met men that fought me; I fought them back, and I won out. That's + the sort of man I am. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I see. A selfish man, bent upon power at any price! A brutal man, + profiting by the weakness of others! An unscrupulous man, trading upon + fear and greed! A man who has stopped at no evil to gain his purpose! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I am what the game has made me. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Not so! Not so! Many another man has been born to a fate like + yours, and has fought his way up from the pit... to be a tower of strength + for goodness and service, an honor to his people and himself. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I've not met any such, ma'am. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. No; you've not sought for them. You did not need them in your + business. The men you needed were the thugs and the criminals, who could + stuff ballot-boxes for you... the dive-keepers and the vice-sellers, who + would contribute to your campaign funds! And you have dealt with them... + you have built up the power they gave you into a mighty engine of + corruption and wrong! And you are master of it... you use it to wring + tribute from high and low! Selling immunity to dive-keepers and betraying + helpless young girls! Naming legislators and judges, and receiving bribes + to corrupt the highest Court in the State. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Laura... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father, I did not seek this discussion! He challenged me... and he + shall hear the truth! For all these months the thing that has been driving + me to desperation has been the knowledge that my father was the business + associate and ally of a master of infamy like Robert Grimes! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Thanks, ma'am! And so now he's to break with me! + </p> + <p> + [A knock at the door.] + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Enters, centre.] Mr. Hegan, these orders for your brokers must + be signed. + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I won't sign them! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. Sir? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Never mind them. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. [Springing to his feet.] Jim Hegan, you're mad! [TO ANDREWS.] Go + out, will you? [ANDREWS exit.] Hegan, man... surely you don't mean this? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Yes... I'm sick of it! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. But, man, think of the rest of us!... What are we to do? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. You can buy just the same. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. But without you? Why, we won't be able to corner Murdock! And if + he gets out of this hole, it'll be worse than ever! There'll be hell to + pay! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I don't care. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. But, man, you've pledged yourself! Look at what Harris has + done!... What excuse will you be able to make to him? And what will you + tell Henry Stevens? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I'll tell them I've quit. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. But you told them last night you were going in with every dollar + you could raise! You told Isaacson he could break with Murdock! And now + you'll tell them you've turned tail and run! Why, Hegan, it's treason! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Listen to me... + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. I don't want to listen to you! Half an hour from now you'll be + ashamed of yourself... wishing that nobody had heard you! You'll be + begging me not to mention it! You... Jim Hegan... the traction king! To + lose your nerve over a little thing like this! What's come over you, + anyhow... after all the things we've been through together? Why, man... + </p> + <p> + [The 'phone rings.] + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Hello! Who is it? Oh, Isaacson. Yes; I'll speak with him. Hello, + Isaacson! Yes. No; I've not forgotten. I'll do whatever I said I'd do. + Er... yes; that's all right. I've been delayed. Yes. I'll get the money to + you. Right away. Oh, certainly, that's all right. [Hangs up receiver.] Ah, + God! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Hegan, listen here. You're in the midst of a battle. And you're + the general. Everything depends on you this morning. And you've a right to + be afraid.. but you've no right to let others see it. You've no right... + do you understand me? And, by God, I won't let you!... I'll be a man for + two of you! Shake yourself together now! [Seizes him.] Come, man! Shake + yourself together! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But think of the exposure! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. The exposure! And this is Jim Hegan talking! How many times have + you been exposed already? And how many times have I been? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But this is different. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. How different? We've got the police, and we've got the district + attorney, and we've got the courts. What more do we want? What can they do + but talk in the newspapers? And is there anything they haven't said about + us already? [Takes HEGAN by the arm, and laughs.] Come, old man! As my + friend Leary says: "Dis is a nine-day town. If yez kin stand de gaff for + nine days, ye're all right!" We'll stand the gaff! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I'm tired of standing it. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Yes, we all get tired now and then. But this afternoon it'll be + Murdock that's tired. Think of him, Hegan... try to realize him a bit! + You've got him where you want him at last! Remember what he did to you in + the Brooklyn Ferry case! Remember how he lied to you in the Third Avenue + case! And he told Isaacson, only last week, that he'd never let up on you + till he'd driven you out of the traction field! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Did he say that? + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. He did that! And only yesterday he said he was getting ready to + finish you! He's as sure of this Court decision as I am of the sunrise! + I'm told he's short already over a quarter of a million shares! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. But his judges'll get word to him... he'll buy! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Of course! But that's just why you ought to be busy! Buy first, + and make him pay... damn his soul! + </p> + <p> + ANDREWS. [Knocks and enters.] Mr. Stevens is here, Mr. Hegan. + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Henry Stevens? We'll see him. [ANDREWS exit.] Come on, man! We'll + go over to your brokers and take the orders. It'll give you a smell of the + powder smoke. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [AS HEGAN Starts to follow.] Father, you are going with him? + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear child, what can I do? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. But think of the disgrace... the shame of it! You will carry it + with you all your life! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. I can't help it. I am bound hand and foot. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. My dear, it is not that. My word is pledged. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You are trampling me in the dust. You are spurning all that is best + in your life! + </p> + <p> + GRIMES. Come, come, man! The game is called + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. Let me go, my dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father! + </p> + <p> + HEGAN. No! No! [He gently, but firmly, puts her arms from him.] Good-bye, + dear. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Father! [HEGAN and GRIMES go out centre; she sinks by the table, + and buries her face in her arms, sobbing; after a considerable, interval, + a knock on the door, centre.] Come in! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Enters.] Well? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I have failed. [Rises and stretches out her arms.] Failed! He has + gone with Grimes! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I saw him go, Miss Hegan. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Swiftly.] And yet... I have not failed utterly. I have failed to + turn back the decision... to save him from this disgrace. But that is not + all. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE: How do you mean? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I shall not give him up... and, in the end, I shall have my way; I + can see that quite clearly. Ah, how I hurt him! I almost broke his heart! + And just now he is in the midst of the battle... the rage of it is on him. + But, afterwards, he will recollect... he will be overwhelmed with grief! + And then he will see! He will do what I have begged him to! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes... perhaps that is so. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I know what my love means to him! I know what he is at heart! And + when he sees that I mean to carry out my threat, to go by myself and to + refuse to touch his money... that will be more than he can bear, Mr. + Montague! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. You mean to do that? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I mean to do it! I mean to do it today; and I will never yield to + him... never until he has atoned for this wrong he has done! And don't you + see that I will win in the end? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Yes; I see. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Quickly.] Understand, that has nothing to do with your course. I + am not asking you to spare him. You must go ahead and do your duty... you + must do just what you would have done if I had never stood in the way. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. It is a terrible thing to me, Miss Hegan. I cannot turn back... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You must not! You must not think of it! It will be a part of my + father's punishment... and he has deserved it. He has prepared that cup, + and he must drink it... to the dregs! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. You can bear it? + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It is not any question of what I can bear. It is a question of the + rights of the people. I saw that quite clearly, as my father talked with + me. Whether it is he who wins, or whether it is Murdock, it is always the + people that lose. And, let it hurt whom it may, the people must have the + truth! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. And then... you will be able to forgive me! Ah, what a weight + you lift from me! I hardly dared to face the thought of what I had to do! + [Hesitating.] And then, the thought that you mean to renounce your + father's wealth... that you are going out into the world... alone... + </p> + <p> + LAURA. It will not be hard for me. You cannot know how I have hated my + past life. To know that my father has plundered the public... and then to + give his money, and call it charity. To be flattered and fawned upon... to + be celebrated and admired... and never for anything that I am, but always + for my money! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I understand what you feel! And see what your decision means to + me... it sets me free at last! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Free! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Free to speak! Miss Hegan, I came to New York, and I met these + rich people, and I saw how their fortunes were poisoning their lives. I + saw men who could not have a real friend in the world, because of their + money. I saw young girls whose souls were utterly dead in them because + they had been brought up to think of themselves as keepers of money-bags, + and to guard against men who sought to prey upon them. I hated the + thing... I fled from it as I would from a plague. In that world I had met + a woman I might have loved... a woman who was noble and beautiful and + true; and yet I dared not speak to her... I dared not even permit myself + to know her... because I was a poor man, and she was rich. But now she is + to be poor also! And so I may speak! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Starting.] Oh! + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. Miss Hegan, from the first time I met you I felt that you were + the woman I should love. But then, as fate would have it, I found myself + preparing to attack your father; so I said that we must never meet again. + But now you see how it has happened. I have come to know you as I never + hoped to know you, and I know that I love you. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I had no idea... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. You say that you are going away alone. Let us go together. We + have the same purpose... we have the same battle to fight. We can go out + to the people and help to teach them. + </p> + <p> + LAURA. You... you know that you love me? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. I love you! I want nothing so much as the chance to serve you + and help you. The chance to tell you so is more than I had ever ventured + to hope for. To find you free and alone... to be able to speak to you, + with no thought of wealth or position! To tell you that I love you... just + you! You! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. I hardly dare to think of it... now... here... + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. We can put all the past behind us... we can take a new start and + win our own way. If only you love me! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. Ah, to let myself be happy again. How can I? + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. If you love me, then we have the key to happiness... then + everything is clear before us. We can face the world together! Do you love + me? [Stretches out his arms to her.] Laura! + </p> + <p> + LAURA. [Sways toward him.] I love you. + </p> + <p> + MONTAGUE. [Embraces her.] My love! + </p> + <p> + CURTAIN <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Machine, by Upton Sinclair + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MACHINE *** + +***** This file should be named 3304-h.htm or 3304-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/3/0/3304/ + +Produced by Charles Franks and the Online Distributed Proofreading team, +and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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