Why are Kate’s hopes shattered by Ann’s answer concerning Larry (All My Sons)?

Act please?

I think the second one

Kate's hopes are shattered because not only does Ann tell her that she isn't waitinf for Larry, she tells her the idea is ridiculous.

Ann: {delicately} You mean am I still waiting for him?
Mother: Well, no. I don't expect you to wait for him but ...
Ann: {kindly} But that's what you meant, isn't it?
Mother: Well ... yes.
Ann: Well, I'm not, Kate.
Mother: {faintly} You're not?
Ann: Isn't it ridiculous? You don't really imagine he's ...?
Mother: I know, dear, but don't say it's ridiculous, because the papers were full of it. I don't know about New York, but there was half a page about a man missing even longer than Larry, and he turned up in Burma.