Mrs. Pampinelli. [Looking out eagerly into the right hallway] Yes, she’s bringing the rest of the flowers. I’ve sent my car back for her.
Jenny. [Turning abruptly from the window and hurrying across below the piano towards the center-door] Here’s Mrs. Ritta now!
Mrs. Pampinelli. Is Mr. Ritter with her? [Intercepting Jenny] No, don’t go out, Jenny! I want to hear what they say when they see the flowers. [Turning her round by the shoulder and indicating the door down at the left] You go into the other room there, and I’ll hide here— [She moves forward at the right and across below the piano.] in this window.
Jenny. [Hurrying towards the door at the left] All right, mam.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Stopping near the window and turning to Jenny] And, Jenny dear!
Jenny. [Turning at the left door] Yes, mam?
Mrs. Pampinelli. Don’t come out—until you hear me say “SURPRISE!”
Jenny. All right, Mrs. Pampinelli, I won’t. [Mrs. Pampinelli steps into the alcove of the window, then turns again to Jenny.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. Now, remember, Jenny,—“SURPRISE!”
Jenny. Yes, I know. [She closes the door, and Mrs. Pampinelli conceals herself behind the window-drapery. There is a slight pause; then Mrs. Ritter hurries in from the right hallway, carrying a marvelous bouquet of American Beauty roses. She comes in through the center-door and stands, looking, with a touch of astonishment, at the horseshoe. Then her eyes wander down to the anchor; and then over to the easel at the right. She is gowned in a very pale shade of gray lace, with gray-silk slippers and stockings; and around her head she is wearing a wreath of laurel in gold, touched with brilliants. Her cloak is of black chiffon-velvet, with a cape collar of black fox. She slides this cloak from her shoulders onto the partition-seat at the right, and starts across towards the door at the left.]