Read this excerpt from Scene 7 of The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams. I can't take down your number and say I'll phone. I can't call up next week and—ask for a date.

I thought I had better explain the situation in case you misunderstand it and—hurt your feelings…

[Pause. Slowly, very slowly, LAURA's look changes, her eyes returning slowly from his to the ornament in her palm.

AMANDA utters another gay laugh in the kitchen.]

LAURA [faintly] You—won't—call again?

JIM: No, Laura, I can't.

[He rises from the sofa.]

As I was just explaining, I've—got strings on me. Laura, I've—been going steady!

I go out all of the time with a girl named Betty. She's a home-girl like you, and Catholic, and Irish, and in a great many ways we—get along fine.

I met her last summer on a moonlight boat trip up the river to Alton, on the Majestic.

Well—right away from the start it was—love!

[LEGEND: 'LOVE!'

LAURA sways slightly forward and grips the arm of the sofa. He fails to notice, now enrapt in his own comfortable being.]

How does Williams's choice to have Jim tell Laura about Betty contribute to the meaning of the play?

It reveals that Laura's hope of seeing Jim again is dashed, ending the scene on a disappointing note.

It hints that Jim made Betty up, so he won't have to see Laura again, ending the scene on a sly note.

It indicates that Jim is unaware that Laura is interested in him, ending the scene on an uncaring note.

It suggests that Jim would be interested in Laura if he weren't already involved with Betty, ending the scene on a sad note.