Luigi and four waiters—one of whom has a curly head and a fair beard ending in two flamboyant points—are putting the finishing touches to the laying of the tables, while Morris Cooling, a person of imposing presence displaying a vast expanse of shirt-front, is engaged in placing upon each of the serviettes a card bearing the name of a guest.
Cooling.
Referring to a plan of the tables which he has in his hand. Miss Connify—Miss Connify—Miss Connify—where’s Miss Connify? Ah, here you are, my dear— moving to Miss Connify’s chair and putting a card upon her serviette next to old Arthur.
The four waiters, obeying a direction in dumb-show from Luigi, go out at the door on the left.
Luigi.
A little, dark, active man—viewing the tables with satisfaction. Tables look nice, Mr. Cooling?
Cooling.
Absorbed. Not bad—not bad—not bad. Luigi follows the waiters. Miss Kato? Moving to another table and laying a card upon a serviette. Gabrielle.
Roper bustles in through the double-door, in high feather.
Roper.