MRS. JOHN
[Surprised.] Goodness gracious! [She opens the door.] I beg your pardon, Mrs. Hassenreuter! I didn't even know who it was!
MRS. HASSENREUTER has now entered, followed by WALBURGA. She is a colossal, asthmatic lady aver fifty. WALBURGA is dressed with greater simplicity than in the first act. She carries a rather large package.
MRS. HASSENREUTER
How do you do, Mrs. John? Although climbing stairs is … very hard for me … I wanted to see how everything … goes with you after the … yes, the very happy event.
MRS. JOHN
I'm gettin' along again kind o' half way.
MRS. HASSENREUTER
That is probably your husband, Mrs. John? Well, one must say, one is bound to say, that your dear wife, in the long time of waiting—never complained, was always cheery and merry, and did her work well for my husband upstairs.