LAURA

Didn't she know Mother was here?

GORDON

No. I hadn't told her. You see your Mother is here so much more often. I didn't know your mother would still be here. I was afraid Mother might be a little hurt—

LAURA

Mother helps me a great deal. I think it's a queer thing if a wife can't have her mother stay with her once in a while—

GORDON

(aware of danger, changes the subject)

Ye Gods, Ethel has cracked the Copenhagen platter. (Laura is silent.) That's one of the set Mother gave us when we were married.

LAURA