Ritter. [Turning to her] What was the matter?

Jenny. [Turning to him, suddenly] He died.

Ritter. [Replacing his penknife] I see.

Jenny. And I never felt much like cuttin’ up after that. [The telephone-bell rings. She turns quickly and starts for the center-door.]

Ritter. [Moving over towards the mantelpiece] See who that is, Jenny.

Jenny. [Hurrying out into the left hallway] Yes, sir.

Ritter. [Getting a match from the table below the mantelpiece] Anybody for me, I’ve gone into permanent retirement.

Jenny. [At the telephone] Yes? [He listens narrowly.] Mr. Ritta? [He makes a rapid movement towards her.] Oh, Mrs. Ritta?

Ritter. [In a subdued tone] Who do they want?

Jenny. [Into the telephone] No, mam, she hasn’t got home yet. [Lowering the telephone and speaking to Ritter] Mrs. Ritter.