Florence. Paula, did you know your husband is becoming very snooty? [Hossefrosse resumes his seat on the piano-stool.]
Mrs. Ritter. [Sliding her hand through Ritter’s right arm] Why didn’t you speak to Florence at the station today, Fred?
Ritter. I didn’t see you today.
Florence. Well, my dear, you must be getting old; for Irene Colter and I did everything but stand on our heads to attract your attention. [On the last word of this sentence she flips one of the tails of the stole at him, and he ducks, as though afraid of getting hurt.] Where shall I put these, Paula? [Mrs. Pampinelli rises quietly from her chair at the right, and, lost in thought, proceeds slowly and majestically across in front of Mrs. Fell to the middle of the room, tapping her lead-pencil on the note-book.]
Mrs. Ritter. I’ll take them. [She takes the muff and stole from Florence and goes up and out into the right hallway with them.]
Florence. [Espying Teddy up back of the piano, shading his eyes with his hand, as though trying to see her from a great distance] Hello, Teddy dear! [Goes towards him] What are you doing away back here in the corner? [She makes a sudden move as though to tickle him in the ribs, but he laughs and jumps away. Mrs. Pampinelli has by this time reached the center of the room, where she stands turning from side to side in a profound indecision as to the relationship of certain positions. She indicates her line of thought by divers pointings and flippings of the lead-pencil. Ritter watches her with narrow amusement; and, presently, Mrs. Fell, who is still occupied with the manuscript at the little table, looks up, distracted by the gyrations of the lead-pencil.]
Mrs. Fell. What’s the matter, Betty?
Mrs. Pampinelli. I was just wondering about a little piece of business here.
Spindler. [Stepping to the back of the arm-chair at the left and leaning over it towards Mrs. Pampinelli] Can I help you, Mrs. P.?
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Without turning to him] No, thank you; it’s purely technical. [He resumes his position at the left corner of the mantelpiece and glances at Ritter, who is obliged to use his handkerchief to hide his amusement. Mrs. Ritter comes in through the door at the right, above the piano.]