ACT II
George’s study. To the left a window. In front of the window a desk of moderate size, facing away from the audience, and a writing chair. On the desk a telephone. To the right of the desk an arm chair, a small table with a work box and embroidery, and between the window and the footlights a deep easy chair. At the back a dainty bookcase, and in front of it a pretty table with flowers. At the back to the right a door, and, nearer, a piano and a music stool. To the left another door. Two small chairs.
Henriette is sitting by the small table and working at a baby’s cap. After a moment she holds it up on her hand.
HENRIETTE. Another little cap to send to nurse. How sweet my little Germaine will look in it! Come, sweetheart, laugh at mother! Oh, my love! [She kisses the cap and goes on working].
George enters at the back.
GEORGE [opening the door and taking off his coat in the hall] Hullo! Are you there? Are you there? Ha, ha, ha!
HENRIETTE [rising gaily] Oh, you know I recognized your voice.
GEORGE. What a story! [Kissing her] Poor little darling, was she taken in, poor little woman! Ha, ha, ha!
HENRIETTE [laughing too] Don’t laugh like that!
GEORGE. ‘Hullo! Hullo! Madame George Dupont?’ [Imitating a woman’s timid voice] ‘Yes, yes. I am here.’ I could feel you blushing at the end of the wire.