Mrs. Fell. Oh, I beg your pardon, I thought she’d omitted a line. [To Florence] I beg your pardon.
Mrs. Pampinelli. Go on, Florence. [Ritter says something to Nelly and she hits him with the manuscript.]
Florence. Not to speak of the innumerable changes of air that she’s enjoyed—[Mrs. Pampinelli, standing over at the right below the piano, takes quite a little coughing spell, and Mrs. Ritter promptly gets up and goes to the punch-bowl to fill her out a glass of punch.] at your expense; and under your personal escort. [Hossefrosse looks over at her. She raises her hand understandingly, and starts slowly across in front of the table towards him.] I have the day and date of the majority of them. So, you see, your chivalry is a bit trying, under the circumstances. [He looks straight ahead and tries to look sullen and defeated.]
Mrs. Ritter. [Up in the center-door, holding aloft a glass of punch] Betty!
Florence. But, I haven’t come here to reproach you, or to plead for your return. Not at all. I think you love this woman.
Mrs. Ritter. [Coming a little further forward] Betty! [Mrs. Pampinelli has another coughing spell.]
Florence. And in that case, I want to offer you your freedom—
Mrs. Pampinelli. Careful, now, children. [Mrs. Ritter comes forward to the table at the left and tries to attract Mrs. Pampinelli’s attention to the glass of punch.]
Florence. If you want it.
Mrs. Pampinelli. [Holding up her forefinger] One, two, three.