Ritter. [With a gesture of complete acquiesence, and moving up towards the center-door] That’s my argument in a nutshell. [Mrs. Pampinelli stands frozen in the middle of the room, with an expression very much as though she were trying mentally to assassinate him. He comes back down again at the left, to his former position.] Why, I couldn’t hear two-thirds of what she said.
Mrs. Pampinelli. Well, evidently there were many people there who could hear what she said, for they laughed at all her points. [She turns and goes to the piano, where she picks up several roses. Mrs. Fell comes forward through the center-door and down towards the piano.]
Ritter. I wanted to laugh, too, but I was afraid somebody’d turn around and see me.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Turning to Mrs. Ritter] Are you ready, Nelly?
Mrs. Fell. Yes, I’m ready.
Mrs. Ritter. Are you going, Betty?
Mrs. Pampinelli. Yes, I must, darling, it’s getting late. [She places her hand on Mrs. Ritter s shoulder.] Good night, dear. [She passes up towards the center-door.]
Mrs. Ritter. Good night, Betty.
Mrs. Fell. [Laying her hand on Mrs. Ritter’s shoulder] Good night, Paula child.
Mrs. Ritter. Good night, Nelly. [Nelly follows Mrs. Pampinelli.]