Mrs. Ritter. I’m not the least bit, dear, really.
Mrs. Pampinelli. Well, that’s splendid, dear. I’ll open the door for you. [She takes hold of the knob of the left door.]
Mrs. Ritter. All right, thank you. [They stand listening, keenly.]
Florence. [Beyond the flats] Do you mind if I wait a few minutes, in case he comes?
Teddy. [Beyond the flats] Why, I was just going home.
Florence. Oh, were you? [Twiller lifts his hat and gives it a little wave at Mrs. Ritter, and she waves her hand back at him.]
Teddy. Yes, mam; and I have to lock up the office before I go.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Suddenly] There it is now, dear. [She opens the door, and Mrs. Ritter steps back a bit, in order to make a more effective entrance.] Good luck, darling.
Mrs. Ritter. [Turning to her] Thank you, dear. [She steps through the door, tripping awkwardly over the door-strip. Mrs. Pampinelli makes a gesture of extreme annoyance. There is an outburst of applause; then Mrs. Pampinelli closes the door, and they all step to the flats and peek through, Mrs. Pampinelli at the left door, Mrs. Fell at the right, Mr. Spindler between them, and Hossefrosse and Twiller about half-way back at the right and left, respectively. There is a pause; and then Mrs. Ritter can be heard beyond the flats.] Hello, kid!
Teddy. Hello, Mrs. Arlington.