Mrs. Pampinelli. There it is now, ring it!
Spindler. [Shaking it desperately] It won’t ring! [Mrs. Fell turns to Hossefrosse in desperation.]
Mrs. Pampinelli, Mrs. Fell and Hossefrosse, together.
Mrs. Pampinelli. Shake it harder, it rang before!
Mrs. Fell. What’s the matter with the fool thing!
Hossefrosse. Hit it against something, Mr. Spindler!
Spindler. There’s something the matter with the battery!
Florence. [Audibly, from beyond the flats] Hello!
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Relaxing] Let it go,—it’s too late now. [Spindler continues to tinker with it.] You’ve missed every other cue, [She moves towards the left.] you may as well be consistent for the rest of the evening.
Spindler. [Following her] Well, good night! I can’t help it if the electricity won’t work, can I?
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Turning upon him furiously] You should have attended to it beforehand and then it would work! [Mrs. Fell waves her hand at them, to be quiet.]
Spindler. Well, My God! I can’t be in a half-a-dozen places at the same time!