You want to give things to
the world.
KEN. [_Flatly._] I want a job.
LAURA. Of course you do, darling!
KEN. [_Fiercely._] That's all I want. A job. I lay awake nights,
saying over and over, "I want a job, a job, a job ..."
LAURA. Oh, I know!
KEN. I don't think about you when I lie awake at night. I don't
think how nice it would be to have you there in my arms. All I
think about is a job. If it were a choice between you and a job I'd
take the job.--What's the use of kidding ourselves any longer?
[_She is silent. He goes on desperately._] I'm not the same fellow
I was three years ago. People slam doors in my face. Do you
understand? They look at me. They see my clothes, my eyes....
They're antagonized before they speak to me,--just as people are to
a beggar. They say "no" before I ask for anything. No, no, no. They
say it as if I were asking for charity instead of a job. "Nothing
for you." "Sorry." "Nothing today."--It makes a beggar out of you!
[TIPPY _enters, carrying tea tray_.]
TIPPY. Hello! Where's the rest of the tea party? [_Neither
answers._] Well, we'll have double portions, that's nice.
LAURA. Tippy, doesn't your world ever fall out from under you?
TIPPY. Certainly not! [_Pause._]
LAURA. [_With forced gayety._] I say, where's Martin?
TIPPY. Can it be that _you_ are asking for Martin!
LAURA. Uh-huh. I'm ready for him to turn me into a Communist.
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