ial loss it represents, Amanda has come to the conclusion that, for Laura, there is only on solution: a suitable husband must be found to provide material and emotional security. It will be Tom’s delicate task to select the eligible bachelor and to invite him to dinner.The evening nevertheless proceeds beautifully, with Amanda entertaining the guest in true Southern fashion until the lights go off because Tom has failed to pay the bill, using the money instead to join the seamen’s union. Alert to the opportunity, Amanda sends Jim, with a lighted candelabrum, into the living room, where Laura has been lying tensely on the sofa. Jim’s simplicity and warmheartedness soon overcome Laura’s extreme shyness, and after a few minutes of awkward embarrassment she starts chatting more confidently.He tells her about his ambitions for the future, his night school courses in public speaking and electrodynamics; she relates her fanciful dreams involving the figurines of her glass collection and dwells in particular on her favourite among the tiny animals, a crystal unicorn. A moment later, while dancing with Laura, Jim inadvertently bumps against the table, and the unicorn falls and breaks its horn. Laura mustingly picks it up, commenting that it is now normal like the others.Inexplicably moved by this strange girl, Jim diagnoses Laura’s odd behaviour as the result of an inferiority complex which he imagines he can cure with a kiss. For a brief moment Laura emerges from her dream world. Appalled at the feelings he has awakened in her, Jim’ clumsily reveals that he is already engaged and is to be married soon. Laura, unable to speak, gently takes Jim’s hand and carefully places the broken unicorn in it. Then Amanda, laughing gaily, returns carrying a pitcher of lemonade. When she invites Jim to come back for other visits, he goes through the embarrassing explanation again and then hastily leaves.Amanda spiteful...
