LAURA. He doesn't need me. I don't mean anything to him....

BISHOP. But of course you do.--There, Laura, there!

LAURA. No. He doesn't. I feel it.

BISHOP. Why, for years you've meant everything to him. He planned
to marry you as soon as he graduated. ...

LAURA. Oh, he's so muddled--he's so muddled!

BISHOP. I know how you feel, my dear, but lovers' quarrels ...

LAURA. It's not a lovers' quarrel. Oh, don't you understand? His
morale's all shot.

BISHOP. Kenneth is essentially sound. Now don't worry, my dear.
[_Indulgently._] I'll wait and have another talk with him, eh?
Perhaps that's what he needs; a good, sound, heart-to-heart talk
with his father.

LAURA. He needs a job! He needs a job! It's more important than I
am--more important than you--more important than anything in the
world.

[TED _opens the door; starts to come out; hears the tense
conversation and stands, hesitant._]

BISHOP. You are right. Work is essential,--more essential than
love. That's what all these young people need. Something to do with