Mrs. Sheppard. [Retrospectively] I thought he looked pale when I saw him out there tonight. [Mrs. Pampinelli turns suddenly and looks at her.]
Florence. [Beyond the flats] And you have a very modern wife.
Mrs. Pampinelli. When you saw him out here, you mean? [She indicates the audience beyond the flats.]
Mrs. Sheppard. Yes; he was standing out there at the back, right near me.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Coming towards her again] You must be mistaken, Clara.
Mrs. Sheppard. No, Betty, I’m quite sure I saw him.
Mrs. Pampinelli. Well, the only thing I know is that Paula said he hadn’t regained consciousness when she left the house this evening at seven-thirty. [Mrs. Ritter comes on up at the back, from the left, and comes forward.] Here’s Paula now!
Mrs. Sheppard. [Turning round to her left] Poor dear, she must be terribly upset.
Mrs. Ritter. [Extending her arms] Clara, dear! [Mrs. Sheppard bursts into tears again.] This is so nice of you! [They embrace each other, and Mrs. Ritter starts to cry.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. Isn’t she the sweet thing! [The door at the right opens.]