Mrs. Pampinelli. Eighteen or nineteen, yes. It’s somewhere right in there.
Mrs. Fell. Oh, yes, here it is, I have it.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Turning back to the people, and speaking with careful emphasis] When you are going on and off the stage, be very careful of those little wooden strips that they have across the bottoms of the doors, and don’t trip. [Mrs. Ritter laughs self-consciously and Hossefrosse leans over and says something to her. Florence laughs, and turns and says something to Spindler, and Teddy and Twiller laugh and look toward Mrs. Ritter.]
Mrs. Fell. [Looking out around Mrs. Pampinelli to see Mrs. Ritter] Paula! [Then she sits back, laughing, and says something to Ritter.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. I really think that was what made some of you so nervous at the Civic Club the last time. So, watch it, all of you, for they will probably have just the same thing down at Hutchy Kutchy.—There is perhaps nothing quite so disconcerting as to trip—as one comes on a stage. Going off—is not so bad; but—coming on, I have found that it requires a tremendous artist to rise above it. [She starts down towards the table at the right, below the piano.] So, watch it, all of you. Now, is everybody in his place? [She stops below the table and picks up her note-book.]
Mrs. Fell. [Handing Ritter the manuscript and getting up suddenly] Oh, just one moment, Betty! [She teeters across to the table at the right.] I want to get my other glasses—they’re right here in my bag. [She picks up the bag and starts back to her place.] I beg pardon, everybody, but I can’t tell one letter from another without these glasses. [This last sentence culminates in a flighty giggle, for no reason at all, and then she sits down, and heaves a deep sigh of amusement.]
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Who has been looking at her steadily] Now, is everybody ready? [Mrs. Fell simply lifts her eyes and looks at her; then proceeds to get her glasses out of the bag.] Use your voices, children, and try to do it tonight just as you are going to do it tomorrow night at Hutchy Kutchy. [She moves a step or two nearer the middle of the room.] Doctor Arlington is still in his office.
Hossefrosse. Yes.
Mrs. Pampinelli. Mr. Rush—
Twiller. [Coming in through the center-door] Yes.