KEN. It's a short life, dad, and mine is half gone already. There is beauty; I want to enjoy it. There are good things; I want some of them. Disease and death we can't help, but poverty we can help.
BISHOP. This is Martin's influence. [Excited.] Ken, you must not turn Communist. Do you hear? I forbid it.
KEN. The Inquisition tried forbidding convictions.
BISHOP. [Frightened.] Convictions?
KEN. I'm fed up. [More savage and bitter as he goes on.] One can go on so long. Things look hopeless but you still hope. Important people make cheerful speeches. You believe them. You want to believe them. You think tomorrow something's going to happen. Something's got to happen! Tomorrow comes and goes--a lot of tomorrows. Nothing happens, nothing. And nothing's going to happen.
BISHOP. My son, you are wrong. The situation is improving. Business conditions are already vastly better. It takes time. You'll get a job, very soon.
KEN. I've heard that for six years.
[Pause.]
BISHOP. [Clearing his throat; takes check from pocket.] Now this check you returned ...
KEN. [Shortly.] I don't want it.