Mrs. Pampinelli. Hello, Paula child,—[Kisses her] how are you, dear? [Mr. Spindler hurries in from the right hallway, carrying several books. Mrs. P. steps to the table below the piano.] Will you give those things to Mrs. Ritter, Mr. Spindler, she’ll set them down somewhere. [She sets her own encumbrances down on the table, and Mrs. Ritter passes back of her to Spindler.]

Spindler. [Standing in the middle of the room, toward the back] Certainly, certainly.

Mrs. Ritter. Good evening, Mr. Spindler.

Spindler. Good evening, good evening. [Jenny comes in from the right hallway, takes the tray and glass from the hall table, and goes out the left hallway.]

Mrs. Ritter. I’ll just take these.

Spindler. [Giving her the books and a manuscript] If you please.

Mrs. Pampinelli. [Crossing directly to Ritter] Florence McCrickett told me you were back; she saw you getting into a taxicab at the station. [Giving him her hand] I’m glad to see you.

Ritter. I just got in.

Mrs. Pampinelli. And I suppose you’ve already heard about the great event?

Ritter. Yes, she’s just been telling me. [They laugh together.]