He was just this age, eighteen or so, when I married him. We both were.
And I know now how this age can suffer. It's a heartbreaking time . . .
no longer a boy . . . not yet a man . . . Bill? Bill?
BILL
(Looks at her awkwardly a moment, then starts to move off)
I'd better clean up if I'm going to get to the Dean's for supper.
You don't mind, do you?
LAURA
(Very quietly)
I got things in for dinner here. But they'll keep.
BILL
(Awkwardly)
I'm sorry, Laura. But you understand, don't you? About this business?
(LAURA shakes her head, "No." BILL stands over her, a little put out that
she has not understood his reasoning. He starts to say something several
times, then stops. Finally he notices the Five-and-Dime engagement ring
around her neck. He touches it)
You're not going to wear this thing to the dining hall, are you?
LAURA
Why not?
BILL
It was just a gag. It means something to you, but to them . . .
LAURA
(Bearing in, but gently)
Does it mean anything to you, Bill?
BILL
Well, it did, but . . .
(He stops with a gesture, unwilling to go into it all.)
LAURA
I think you're ashamed of the night you gave it to me. That you ever
let me see you needed help. That night in Italy, in some vague way you
cried out . . .
BILL
What is the matter with you today? Me crying out for help.
(He heads for the other room. A knock on study door is heard.)
BILL
It's probably Tom.
(LAURA goes to door.)
HERB
(This is HERBERT LEE, TOM'S father. He is a middle-sized man, fancying
himself a man of the world and an extrovert. He is dressed as a
conservative Boston businessman, but with still a touch of the collegiate
in his attire -- button-down shirt, etc.)
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