You've been this way four days now.

You've got to be more encouraging or I can't work or eat or sleep.

(He looks around helplessly as if searching for new words to clothe an old, shopworn phrase.) We'll have to make a start.

I like having to make a start together.

(His forced hopefulness fades as he sees her unresponsive.) What's the matter?
(He gets up suddenly and starts to pace the floor.) It's Dawson Ryder, that's what it is.