Mrs. Pampinelli. Well, my dear, you may count that day lost that you missed it. [She half turns to Mrs. Ritter, who is engaged in conversation with Spindler.] Mayn’t he, Paula? [But Paula hasn’t heard what she’s been saying, so she just looks at her and gives an inane little laugh. Mrs. Pampinelli continues to Ritter.] Although you’ll have an opportunity tomorrow night; unless you’re going to run away again before that.
Ritter. No, I’ll be here now till after Thanksgiving. [Mrs. Ritter leaves Spindler and goes over to a small table at the extreme right, below the casement-window, where she sets the books and manuscript down.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Turning from Ritter and crossing back again to the table at the right below the piano] Wonderful! Did you hear that, Paula?
Mrs. R. What is it, dear?
Mrs. Pampinelli. Mr. Ritter says he will be here for the performance tomorrow night.
Mrs. R. Yes.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Unfastening her fur neckpiece] So you will have an opportunity after all of revealing to him what gems of talent the unfathomed caves of matrimony bear. [They both laugh.]
Mrs. R. [Picking up Mrs. Pampinelli’s muff from the table and taking the neckpiece] I’ll just take these, Betty.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Settling her beads] Anywhere at all, dear. [Mrs. R. starts to the right.] Oh, and by the way, Paula—[Mrs. Ritter stops and turns to her.]
Mrs. R. Yes?