Twiller. I want to get him under the arms. [They lift Ritter onto a bench in the hallway. Nelly Fell turns away from the center-door with an exclamation of distress.]

Hossefrosse. We’d better lay him right here.

Mrs. Ritter. Is it Fred, Nelly?

Mrs. Fell. I don’t know, dear.

Mrs. Pampinelli and Mrs. Fell, together.

Mrs. Pampinelli. [Addressing Hossefrosse and Twiller] You can lay him right here, boys, I think it’ll be as good as any.

Mrs. Fell. What is it, Florence, did Mr. Ritter fall downstairs?

Florence. I think so.

Mrs. Fell. [Covering her eyes and swaying] Oh, dear child, don’t! [Florence puts her arm around her and guides her towards the arm-chair at the left.]

Mrs. Pampinelli. Give me one of those pillows, Teddy. [He hands her a pillow from the partition-seat where he’s kneeling.]

Mrs. Fell. [Sinking into the arm-chair at the left] Betty, I think I’m going to faint!