Ritter. [Lighting his cigar in the hallway, just outside the center-door] I haven’t the faintest idea. But I shouldn’t be surprised if I’d go on the stage.
Mrs. Fell. [Standing back of the arm-chair at the left] One star is enough in the family.
Ritter. [Bowing very graciously to her] Applause—[She turns away and looks straight ahead. Then Ritter bows towards Mrs. Pampinelli.] and great laughter—[Mrs. Pampinelli isn’t looking at him, but she knows that that is meant for her, so she simply moves another step or two towards the window. Mrs. Ritter turns to see what Ritter is doing. He takes a step and leans forward towards her, speaking rather confidentially.] followed by booing. [She turns back again and starts to cry, while he continues out into the right hallway and up the stairs. As he mounts the stairs, he holds aloft his lighted cigar, after the fashion of a zealous bearer of the torch.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Picking up the orchids from the table below the window] Paula, you should have Jenny put these orchids in water; they keep ever so long in a cool place. [She comes across towards the left, below the piano.]
Mrs. Ritter. Will you call her, Nelly?
Mrs. Fell. [Crossing to meet Mrs. Pampinelli] Give them to me, Betty, I’ll take them out to her. [Mrs. Pampinelli gives her the orchids.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. Tell her to put them in a cool place. [Nelly starts up for the center-door. The telephone-bell rings.]
Mrs. Ritter. Will you answer that, Nelly?
Mrs. Fell. [Setting the orchids down on the chair in the left hallway] Certainly, darling.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Standing back of Mrs. Ritter’s chair] If it’s anything concerning the play, I shall be at home on Tuesday at two.