But is it? Is there no hope of a real position?
BISHOP. Prescott gave me his word when I--when we made the
arrangement--that he would make a real place for Kenneth as soon as
he could.
LAURA. So far he hasn't.
BISHOP. It's a matter of time. Business is greatly improved.
Building must revive by the spring. Therefore, don't you see, if
our boy is patient until then ... [LAURA _shakes her head._] We
must make him go on. If he gives it up now he may lose a real
opportunity. That is what you and I must make him see! The
opportunity ahead.
LAURA. He couldn't go on.
BISHOP. He must.
LAURA. No. Why must he?
BISHOP. [_Tenderly._] A family, my dear, is a very conclusive
argument.
LAURA. Family? What do you mean?
BISHOP. [_Still with his tender sentimentality._] I take it, since
Kenneth spoke of a wife and baby ...
LAURA. [_Half-laughing._] Oh!--Thank God, no!
BISHOP. But he said ...
LAURA. That was just rhetoric.--I am not having any babies until I
see some security for them.
BISHOP. Many of the unemployed do have children.
LAURA. I'll have them only when I can see safety for them.
BISHOP. Yes, yes. Well, I only thought that ...
LAURA. That if a child were coming, Ken would have to knuckle
under.
BISHOP. Such responsibility has always been the most powerful force
to make man go along the path of duty, even though the way seemed
hard.
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