HAGEN. Ha, ha, ha!
MRS. IS. I wish you'd come with me for a moment... I have some designs for the breakfast menu...
HAGEN. Delighted, I'm sure. [They go off, left.]
GER. Oh, my God!
EST. [Enters in a beautiful afternoon gown, and carrying an armful of roses; she is nervous and preoccupied.] Ah! Gerald!
GER. Estelle. [He watches her in silence; she arranges flowers.]
EST. How goes the poem, Gerald?
GER. The poem! Who could think of a poem at a time like this? [Advancing toward her.] Estelle! I can bear it no longer!
EST. What?
GER. This crime! I tell you it's a crime you're committing!