The scene shows a hotel "parlor" in the White Mountains. Beneath the flashy ugliness of its modern wall paper and upholstery, a certain refinement persists from an older generation. The room itself is well proportioned, with a very good hearth. The parlor might once have been the ball room in a squire's mansion.
It is about seven o'clock of an August evening, the room feebly lighted by a flickering acetylene burner. One feels the commencement of rain. A door to the rear opens and the Everitts enter, the younger children first.
Harold
She didn't give me any toast. I want some toast!
Walter
A rotten supper!
Mrs. Everitt
Never mind, Harold, you had two cups of that beautiful milk.
Alice
Of course it was rotten. Everything's second rate here. Ugh! what a musty smell!