The climbers

by Clyde Fitch

[Mrs. Hunter enters Right. Blanche meets her.

Mrs. Hunter. Good morning, my poor dear.

[Going to kiss Blanche.

Blanche. [Taking Mrs. Hunter's hand and not kissing her.] Good morning.

Mrs. Hunter. Clara's gone upstairs to see little Richard. Good morning, Ruth.

[She adds this with a manner of being on the defensive.

Ruth. [Dryly.] Good morning.

Mrs. Hunter. [Sitting by the table and looking at the picture papers.] Isn't it awful! What are you going to do?

Blanche. I don't know yet, mother.

Mrs. Hunter. Don't know? Absolute divorce—no legal separation! [To Ruth.] We're staying at the Waldorf.