Mrs. Fell. [Moving over to the right, to the little table below the piano] I’m surprised at you, Frederick. I consider that the supreme indiscretion in a husband—[She lays her fan down on the table.] to return unexpectedly. Isn’t it, Paula? [She commences to unfasten her cloak.]
Mrs. Ritter. [Moving over to help her] I never got such a surprise in my life.
Mrs. Fell. It has probably wrecked more perfectly good homes than any other one thing in the calendar. [She slips her cloak off her shoulders, and Mrs. Ritter, who has passed back of her, takes it. It is a flowing affair in black and silver, with voluminous kimona sleeves edged with black fur, and a deep circular collar of silver-cloth and fur.]
Mrs. Ritter. I love your cape, Nelly.
Mrs. Fell. [Settling her ornaments] Do you really?
Mrs. Ritter. [Examining it] Beautiful.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Reaching for it] Let me see it, Paula.
Mrs. Ritter. [Handing it to her] Where’s your seal, Nelly?
Mrs. Fell. I thought I wouldn’t take it out this winter; I got so tired looking at it last year. I want to have that collar and cuffs taken off, anyway, before I wear it again;—there’s too much skunk there.
Mrs. Pampinelli. This is perfectly gorgeous, dear. [To Mrs. Ritter] Isn’t it?