TED. Ask her. She knows. It was her idea.--If I'm a pimp, what does that make you? [Takes his hat and coat, brushes by her and streaks out.]

KEN. [Unconvincingly.] He's crazy. He's--crazy.

[Silence, LAURA leans against the table, as though she had difficulty in breathing, TIPPY enters, apron on, egg beater in hand.]

TIPPY. Hello. You back? [Takes groceries.] What's up? [No answer.] Where's Ted? [No answer.]

KEN. [To LAURA.] What are you whimpering about? [Seizes her by the arms.] It's true. What he said was true, wasn't it? [She tries to speak, but cannot.] Who got my job for me? Who is paying my salary? Answer me!

LAURA. Your father.

KEN. My father! How could he do such a thing?

LAURA. It was my idea. I--I told him to do it.

KEN. You. You did that to me.

LAURA. I wanted to help you.