CURTIS--You bet she has. [He goes over and puts his hand on his
wife's shoulder affectionately.] Martha's more efficient than a
whole staff of assistants and secretaries. She knows more about
what I'm doing than I do half the time. [He turns toward his
study.] Well, I guess I'll go in and work some.

MARTHA--[Quietly.] Do you need me now, Curt?

BIGELOW--[Starting up.] Yes, if you two want to work together, why
just shoo me--

CURTIS--[Puts both hands on his shoulders and forces him to his
seat again.] No. Sit down, Big. I don't need Martha now. [Coming
over to her, bends down and kisses her--rather mockingly.] I
couldn't deprive Big of an audience for his confessions of a fond
parent.

BIGELOW--Aha! Now it's you who are mocking at something you know
nothing about. [An awkward silence follows this remark.]

CURTIS--[Frowning.] I guess you're forgetting, aren't you, Big?
[He turns and walks into his study, closing the door gently behind
him.]

MARTHA--[After a pause--sadly.] Poor Curt.

BIGELOW--[Ashamed and confused.] I had forgotten--

MARTHA--The years have made me reconciled. They haven't Curt. [She
sighs--then turns to BIGELOW with a forced smile.] I suppose it's