Mrs. Fell. He’s the leading man. [Hossefrosse raises his right hand toward Nelly and laughs deprecatingly.] Unfortunately, there isn’t a place in the play where he can use that perfectly gorgeous singing-voice of his. [Hossefrosse is quite overcome, and crosses, with hand extended, to Spindler.] It’s true.
Hossefrosse. Good evening, Mr. Spindler.
Spindler. Good evening, good evening. [In shifting the cigar from his right hand to his left he drops it.]
Hossefrosse. Uh! I beg your pardon! [Mrs. Ritter laughs at something Teddy has said to her, then hands him a glass of claret. Mr. Hossefrosse stoops to pick up Spindler’s cigar.]
Spindler. [Stooping also, after the cigar] That’s all right.
Hossefrosse and Spindler, together.
Hossefrosse. I’ll get it. [He picks it up and hands it to Spindler.]
Spindler. It isn’t lit.
Hossefrosse. There we are.
Spindler. Thank you very much.