Chapter V: Act ONE (4)

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Mr. Twiller! [_He snatches up his cane from the floor, but the hook of it catches in the stage-brace, and he has considerable yanking to do to get it loose. Mrs. Fell raps on the left door._] Go on, Mr. Twiller, for Heaven’s sake! the stage is waiting! [_She pulls the door open for him. He straightens his hat and then raps on the wing beside the door._] Oh, go on! never mind rapping! that’s been done! [_He steps through the door and she slams it after him, catching his left arm and hand. The cane is in his left hand, and it falls at Mrs. Pampinelli’s feet. She pulls the door open again to release his arm; then gives the door a definite slam. A burst of applause greets Twiller’s entrance. Mrs. Pampinelli is in a perfect wrath. She sweeps across towards the right, and back again all the way across to the left; then turns and starts back towards the right. As she passes the left door she sees Twiller’s cane, and, realizing in a flash that he will have need of it in his scene, she picks it up, opens the left door slightly, and flings it in onto the stage. Then she continues on towards the right, turns and crosses back again to the left, holding up her skirt and bristling with temper._]

MRS. FELL. [_Back at the right door, speaking to Hossefrosse, down at the right_] How are my eyes? Instead of paying attention to his part!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Coming across to the right_] People rehearsing their cues a thousand times, and then don’t know them when they hear them! It’s positively disgusting! [_She turns and goes back again to the left, turns, and starts back to the right. Hossefrosse tiptoes towards her._]

HOSSEFROSSE. What happened to Teddy, did he get sick out there?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. No, just a little reaction. [_Hossefrosse nods comprehendingly._] He gives too much to the scene. He doesn’t understand emotional conservation yet. [_Hossefrosse shakes his head knowingly and returns to the right, and Mrs. Pampinelli steps to the left door and listens._]

FLORENCE. [_Just audibly, beyond the flats_] She’s waiting for my very unpunctual husband. In fact, we are both waiting for him, to be precise. But I’ve just been telling her I’m afraid we may as well give it up, for he’s never kept an appointment in his life. I’m sorry he isn’t here, if you wanted to see him.

TWILLER. [_Beyond the flats_] I don’t know whether I wanted to see him or not; it depends.

FLORENCE. I don’t understand you.

TWILLER. I don’t fully understand myself! [_There is a very general laugh from beyond the flats. Mrs. Pampinelli looks anxiously at Nelly, and Nelly looks up at her from the manuscript._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. What was _that_?

MRS. FELL. [_Not having caught what she said_] What?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. What was that the audience was laughing at? [_Mrs. Fell peeks through at the door where she is standing, then turns desperately to Mrs. Pampinelli._]

MRS. FELL. Half of Mr. Twiller’s mustache fell off! [_She looks through the peek again. Mrs. Pampinelli puts her hand against her brow and leans upon the stage-brace, the picture of tragedy. Mrs. Fell turns to her again._] I don’t think the audience noticed it, he stuck it right on again!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. That doesn’t matter, there is absolutely no excuse for it! He’s been here since four o’clock this afternoon! [_She crosses towards the left and back again._]

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] What sort of a rumor was it, Mr. Rush, if I may ask?

TWILLER. [_Beyond the flats_] The usual kind. [_There’s another laugh from beyond the flats, and Mrs. Pampinelli stands petrified, just below the left door. Mrs. Fell turns quickly and peeks, then turns to Mrs. Pampinelli._]

MRS. FELL. [_Despairingly_] It fell off again! [_Mrs. Pampinelli raises her fists and shakes them._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, why on earth hasn’t he brains enough to leave it off!

MRS. FELL. He has his hat on, too! [_Mrs. Pampinelli steps to the left door and speaks through it._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Leave your mustache _off_, Mr. Twiller! Leave it _off_!--And take off your _hat_, you’re inside. [_Hossefrosse tiptoes over from the right._]

HOSSEFROSSE. What’s the matter, did his mustache fall off?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Yes, twice; and he keeps sticking it on again. [_He shakes his head regretfully and tiptoes back to the right._]

MRS. RITTER. [_Beyond the flats_] It’s perfectly ridiculous!

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] Too bad my husband isn’t here.

TWILLER. [_Beyond the flats_] Yes, it is; I had counted upon seeing him.

FLORENCE. I’m sure he’d be able to explain.

TWILLER. Well, I hope he would!--the thing is damned annoying! [_Mrs. Ritter gives an unearthly laugh, which is supposed to express derision. Mrs. Fell looks up from her manuscript, and Mrs. Pampinelli smiles and nods approvingly at her._] Even if _you don’t_ appreciate it!

MRS. FELL. Wonderful. [_She turns and smiles and nods at Hossefrosse; then they all listen again. The stage manager, who has arisen from his chair at the sound of Mrs. Ritter’s disdainful laughter, comes forward at the left, with his pipe in one hand and his newspaper in the other. He has a puzzled, inquiring expression, and looks from one to the other quizzically; but Mrs. Pampinelli has her back to him, Mrs. Fell is looking at her manuscript, and Mr. Hossefrosse’s face is, as usual, utterly expressionless, so he steps to the juncture of the back flats with the side wings and peeks through, curiously. Then he returns to his chair up at the left, shaking his head from side to side._]

MRS. RITTER. [_Beyond the flats_] I don’t know what it is, yet!

TWILLER. [_Beyond the flats_] You know very well what it is!

MRS. RITTER. You haven’t told us.

TWILLER. You’re here, aren’t you!

MRS. RITTER. Yes.

TWILLER. Well, that’s it, exactly! [_Mrs. Pampinelli smiles approvingly, and moves towards the right._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Calling Hossefrosse, who is engaged in studying his lines from a paper, over at the right_] Mr. Hossefrosse.

MRS. FELL. [_Turning to him_] Huxley! [_He looks up, and tiptoes towards Mrs. Pampinelli._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. How is this hall to speak in?

HOSSEFROSSE. Why, I shouldn’t say it was good.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I thought not.

HOSSEFROSSE. It’s too big for the speaking voice.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_With a gesture_] You have to _project_ the tone, do you not?

HOSSEFROSSE. Oh, yes, absolutely.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Taking a step towards the back flat, and listening_] I’m afraid they’re not hearing Paula at all.

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Putting his fingers to his throat_] I’m using my upper register almost entirely.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Glancing at him_] You’re very fortunate to know how to do it.

HOSSEFROSSE. Did it sound all right from back here?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Oh, splendid, yes, Mr. Hossefrosse!--your voice is beautiful. [_He raises his hand deprecatingly._] Really,--I was just saying to Mrs. Fell, I’m so sorry there isn’t another act, that you might sing a solo between them. [_He beams and deprecates again, profusely, and turns to the right. Spindler comes down at the left and towards Mrs. Pampinelli._] Really! Splendid. [_She sees Spindler._] Where’s Teddy?

SPINDLER. He’s gone over to the drug store.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. With his make-up on?

SPINDLER. He said he wanted to get some aromatic spirits of ammonia.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. You have a cue right here soon, haven’t you?

SPINDLER. [_Taking the telephone-arrangement from his pocket, and crossing towards the right door_] Where are they?

MRS. FELL. [_Suddenly looking up from her manuscript_] Telephone, Mr. Spindler!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. There it is now, ring it!

SPINDLER. [_Shaking it desperately_] It won’t ring! [_Mrs. Fell turns to Hossefrosse in desperation._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI, MRS. FELL and HOSSEFROSSE, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Shake it harder, it rang before!

MRS. FELL. What’s the matter with the fool thing!

HOSSEFROSSE. Hit it against something, Mr. Spindler!

SPINDLER. There’s something the matter with the battery!

FLORENCE. [_Audibly, from beyond the flats_] Hello!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Relaxing_] Let it go,--it’s too late now. [_Spindler continues to tinker with it._] You’ve missed every other cue, [_She moves towards the left._] you may as well be consistent for the rest of the evening.

SPINDLER. [_Following her_] Well, good night! I can’t help it if the electricity won’t work, can I?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning upon him furiously_] You should have attended to it beforehand and then it _would_ work! [_Mrs. Fell waves her hand at them, to be quiet._]

SPINDLER. Well, My God! I can’t be in a half-a-dozen places at the same time!

MRS. FELL. Shush! [_Hossefrosse tiptoes up to her and deplores the noise that Mrs. Pampinelli and Spindler are making._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. No one is asking you to be in half-a-dozen places at the same time! You’ve simply been asked to attend to your cues; and you’ve missed every one you’ve had!

MRS. FELL and HOSSEFROSSE, together. Shush!

SPINDLER. You told me to take care of Teddy, didn’t you?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I told you to take him to the door! I _didn’t_ say to take him all the way to the drug store!

SPINDLER. Did you want me to let the man wander off somewhere by himself, and maybe die!

MRS. FELL. [_Waving her manuscript at them_] Shus--sh!

MRS. PAMPINELLI and SPINDLER, together.

SPINDLER. Just for the sake of not missing a cue!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_With bitter amusement_] There is very little danger
of his dying! And even if he did die, your duty is here! [_She points
to the floor with an imperative gesture. The right door is quietly
pushed open, and Twiller, with one-half of his mustache gone, pokes
his head out._]

TWILLER. Shush! [_He glances from one side to the other, withdraws his head, and quietly closes the door. Spindler crosses below Mrs. Pampinelli, to the left, then turns and looks at her angrily._]

MRS. FELL. [_Turning to Hossefrosse_] What did I tell you! Making more noise out here than they are out there!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Still holding her gesture, but following Spindler with her eyes_] Performances are never interrupted simply because one of the artists happens to die! If you were a professional you’d know that; but you’re not! [_She turns away from him, towards the right, and, simultaneously, the left door is opened, almost striking her. She raises her arm to protect herself. Mrs. Ritter is standing in the doorway._]

MRS. RITTER. [_Speaking to Twiller, who is still beyond the flats_] Look and see. [_The telephone-arrangement in Spindler’s hands suddenly rings wildly._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning to him frantically_] Oh, stop that thing! [_Mrs. Ritter glances furtively over her left shoulder at Mrs. Pampinelli. Mrs. Fell comes rushing over, motioning to Spindler to stop the bell._]

SPINDLER. [_Struggling with the bell_] I can’t stop it! [_Mrs. Ritter hastily steps back through the door and pulls it to after her._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, then, take it outside, where they can’t hear it! [_Spindler scrambles towards the back and out of sight at the left. Mrs. Pampinelli starts back towards the right._]

MRS. FELL. What’s the matter with that Spindler man, anyway!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I don’t know what’s the matter with him! I’ve given up thinking about him.

MRS. FELL. He acts to me like a person that wouldn’t be in his right mind! [_She goes back towards the right door._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Standing in the middle of the stage_] He’s simply not a professional, that’s all. [_The left door opens again and Mrs. Ritter is standing in it. Mrs. Pampinelli turns suddenly and looks at her. Mrs. Ritter repeats her unearthly laugh, which again arouses the curiosity of the stage manager, to the extent that he rises and comes forward again at the left to get a look at her. Then he returns to his chair, taking the door-slam with him, and standing it against the wing._]

MRS. RITTER. [_Addressing Twiller, beyond the flats_] What about the gentlemen?

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] Jealous husbands, chiefly, aren’t they? [_Twiller comes out through the left door, past Mrs. Ritter._] Didn’t you want to leave a message for the Doctor, Mr. Rush? [_Twiller turns right round and goes back to the door._]

TWILLER. Who, me?

FLORENCE. If you wish.

MRS. RITTER. [_Having some difficulty seeing Florence over Twiller’s right shoulder_] He might leave an apology.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Very much annoyed, and stepping close to the flat, just to the right of the door_] Get out of the doorway, Mr. Twiller!

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] Perhaps we haven’t convinced him of his mistake.

MRS. PAMPINELLI and MRS. RITTER, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Trying desperately to attract Twiller’s attention,
and becoming more emphatic_] Get out of the doorway, Mr. Twiller,
you’re covering Paula up!

MRS. RITTER. [_Trying to talk to Florence over Twiller’s shoulder_]
Well, he’ll apologize to me, whether we’ve convinced him or not.
[_Mrs. Fell and Hossefrosse come over to see if they can be of any
assistance._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI and TWILLER, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Becoming desperate_] Paula! [_Paula gives her a
nervous glance._] Will one of you go farther in! Mr. Twiller!

TWILLER. [_Addressing Florence_] Have you convinced yourselves? [_He
gives Mrs. Pampinelli an irritated look over his left shoulder._]

FLORENCE. That there has been a mistake?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Go farther in, one of you! [_Twiller gives her another look, then speaks to Florence._]

TWILLER. Yes! [_Mrs. Pampinelli can contain herself no longer, so, picking up her skirt, and holding her hand against the left side of her head, she darts across the open door, to the left, and speaks to them around the edge of the door. Mrs. Fell, taking advantage of the circumstance of Mrs. Pampinelli’s crossing, tiptoes up to Twiller and strikes him on the left arm, quite viciously, with the rolled manuscript. As a polite remonstrance, he shakes his left hand and foot at her. But, she is not dismayed, and repeats the attack, even more viciously. Then he turns and glares at her, and she turns away towards the right, desperately._]

FLORENCE. A great mistake.

MRS. RITTER. Disappointed? Because, you know, we can _invent_ a scandal, if you insist.

MRS. FELL. Oh, what a man! What a man!

FLORENCE and MRS. PAMPINELLI, together.

FLORENCE. I’m afraid _my_ presence here would be a bit incongruous,
even for that.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Go farther in, Mr. Twiller, don’t both of you stand
wedged in the doorway that way, it looks dreadful!

TWILLER. [_Raising his right arm and resting his hand against the jamb of the door, completely cutting off Mrs. Ritter’s view of Florence_] That’s the rub. [_Mrs. Ritter stands on her tiptoes to try and see over his arm, but being unsuccessful in this effort, stoops a bit, and tries to look under his arm._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Take your arm down, Mr. Twiller! [_Mrs. Ritter reaches up and quietly but firmly draws Twiller’s arm down. Mrs. Pampinelli turns away to the left, disgusted._] My God! I never gave any such direction as that!

FLORENCE. Be at ease, Mr. Rush; if you were not mistaken I should have known it,--and so should you; I’m not a tragic woman. Did you want to leave any message for the Doctor, Mrs. Rush?

MRS. RITTER. [_At Twiller’s right_] Yes,--[_Twiller turns his head sharply and looks right into her eyes. She steps around back of him and speaks to Florence over his left shoulder._] I wish you’d say that my husband called--[_Twiller turns and looks into her eyes again, and she steps around back of him again, to his right._] for my bill. [_She reaches out and starts to draw the door to. Twiller, very ill at ease, and awkwardly looking from side to side, not knowing just how to get out gracefully, makes a full turn round to his right._]

TWILLER. [_Raising his hat to Florence_] Good evening, Mrs. Arlington. [_Mrs. Ritter closes the door, causing him to drop his cane; but he’s too excited to notice it._]

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Standing at the right door, extending his hand_] Great, old man!

TWILLER. [_Dropping his gloves, as he shakes hands_] Thanks. [_He continues to the right._]

MRS. FELL. [_As he passes below her_] Splendid, Ralph! What happened to your mustache? [_She laughs._]

TWILLER. Can you beat that, Nelly! I couldn’t _coax_ that thing off before I went on!

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Holding the knob of the right door_] Shush!

MRS. FELL. I don’t think the audience noticed it.

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Turning to them_] Shush! [_Twiller goes down to the right, and Mrs. Fell returns to her manuscript. The left door is flung open. They all watch eagerly._]

MRS. RITTER. [_Inside the left door_] If you will, please?

FLORENCE. Certainly.

MRS. RITTER. Thanks.

FLORENCE. Don’t mention it.

MRS. RITTER. [_Trying to appear very bold_] Good bye.

FLORENCE. Good bye. [_Mrs. Ritter gives another famous laugh, sways through the door, tripping over the door-strip, closes the door, looks at Mrs. Pampinelli, who is standing at the left, and bursts out laughing. There is prolonged applause from beyond the flats._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Splendid, Paula!

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Listening intently for his cue, from beyond the flats_] Shush-shush! [_Mrs. Ritter looks at him, still laughing foolishly._]

MRS. FELL. [_Waving at Paula_] Lovely, dear!

MRS. RITTER. [_Turning to Mrs. Pampinelli_] I forgot my umbrella.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Where is it?

MRS. RITTER. I left it on the stage.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. That doesn’t matter. [_Hossefrosse tries to silence them by dint of impatient gesturing with his right hand._]

MRS. RITTER. Oh, Betty, I think I saw Clara Sheppard out there!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Not really?

HOSSEFROSSE. Shush!

FLORENCE. [_From beyond the flats_] You can come out now, Clyde, they’ve gone. [_Hossefrosse yanks the right door open, causing the wood-wing at the right to topple and fall forward._]

TWILLER. [_Leaping to catch it, before it hits Mrs. Fell_] Hold it! [_Mrs. Fell hunches her arms and shoulders and screams._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Rushing over from the left_] What is it?

TWILLER. [_Struggling to set the wing up in place again_] This thing nearly fell! Just got it in time! [_Mrs. Fell moves out of the way, over to the left, and Mrs. Pampinelli tries to assist Twiller._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Is it all right now?

TWILLER. [_Brushing his hands and clothes, and coming forward at the right_] Yes, it’s all right now. Just got it in time.

MRS. FELL. [_Rushing up to Mrs. Ritter, who is coming towards her from the left, and shaking her by the arms_] Oh, you were marvelous, darling! [_Mrs. Ritter giggles foolishly._] I could just hug you!

MRS. RITTER. I forgot my umbrella.

MRS. FELL. Wonderful performance! [_She steps to the right door and opens her manuscript. Mrs. Ritter moves a little to the right and stands looking at the wood-wing._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning from a more precise adjustment of the wood-wing_] Oh, Mr. Twiller!

TWILLER. Yes?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. How did you and Paula get wedged in that door that way, over there a moment ago?

TWILLER. [_On Mrs. Pampinelli’s right_] Oh, I’m awfully sorry about that! I got a little twisted on-- [_Mrs. Ritter comes to Mrs. Pampinelli’s left._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning to Mrs. Ritter_] I was just asking Mr. Twiller about that business in the door.

MRS. PAMPINELLI, MRS. RITTER and TWILLER, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Of course, it really didn’t matter very much.

MRS. RITTER. Oh, my dear, wasn’t that just too dreadful! But I didn’t
know what to do! I knew there was something wrong, but I didn’t know
what it was!

TWILLER. It was _my_ fault. I got a little twisted there in my
business-cues. I got up to the door a couple of speeches too soon.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I don’t think the audience noticed it.

MRS. FELL. [_Frantically searching in the manuscript_] Shush!

MRS. RITTER. Don’t you think they did, Betty?

MRS. FELL. Shush! [_They all turn and look at her. Mrs. Pampinelli steps towards her._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Is somebody up? [_Nelly simply silences her with a gesture, and opens the door slightly._]

MRS. FELL. [_Prompting through the door_] You’ve all been listening to a lot of damned, cheap gossip!

HOSSEFROSSE. [_From beyond the flats_] You’ve all been listening to a lot of damned, cheap gossip!

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] Which should show you that people are talking.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Somebody up? [_Nelly just shakes her head and relaxes._] Mr. Hossefrosse?

MRS. FELL. The “damned, cheap gossip” line.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Listening keenly_] Is he all right again?

MRS. FELL. Yes, he’s all right now;--but it’s funny how that line has sent him up at every performance.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning to rejoin Mrs. Ritter and Twiller_] It’s purely mental.

HOSSEFROSSE. [_From beyond the flats, violently_] No! [_The stage manager, over at the left, jumps to his feet, causing the hammer to fall from his pocket. The door-slam also falls, with a bang. The stage manager has been dozing, and the thunder of Mr. Hossefrosse’s outburst has considerably startled him. He comes forward at the left and looks over at Mrs. Fell, to inquire the cause of the disturbance._]

MRS. FELL. [_Motioning to him with her manuscript_] Shush! [_He looks about and then goes back and picks up the hammer and door-slam. As he resumes his seat he takes another glance around._]

MRS. RITTER. [_As Mrs. Pampinelli comes forward again at the right, between her and Twiller_] You know, I felt like a perfect fool standing there in that door, but I couldn’t catch what you were saying. [_Twiller laughs._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, dear, I _really_ don’t think the audience noticed it.

TWILLER. I hope they didn’t.

MRS. RITTER. It must have looked awful.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. No, dear, it didn’t, really; you both covered it up very nicely.

TWILLER. I _tried_ to cover it up when my mustache fell off, too;--but I had so many _lines_ right in there. I held it on as long as I could, but I was afraid the audience was beginning to notice it.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I was so glad you had the presence of mind not to attempt to stick it on again when it fell off the _second_ time.

TWILLER. I was afraid to take the time. I had a cue right there; so when it fell off the second time, I just--let it lie there. [_He makes a casual gesture with his right hand._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. That was quite right.

TWILLER. [_Laughing a little_] It’s out there yet.

MRS. RITTER. [_Giggling_] So is my umbrella. [_They all laugh._] Oh, listen, Betty dear! I think I’ll just run upstairs for a minute and use that telephone--see how Fred is. [_She starts towards the left._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Following her_] Yes, do, Paula.

MRS. RITTER. I’m kind of worried about him.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. See if he’s regained consciousness yet.

MRS. RITTER. [_Regardless of the fact that a play is in progress_] Excuse me!

MRS. FELL. [_Looking up from her manuscript_] Shush!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Certainly, dear. [_Twiller raises his hat towards her, and she waves back at him. Then he goes up at the right and peeks through the side wings._] Oh, Paula!

MRS. RITTER. [_Turning_] Yes, dear?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Be sure and get down in time for the curtains.

MRS. RITTER. Oh, yes.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I imagine there’ll be a lot of flowers come over.

MRS. RITTER. [_Starting up at the left_] I’ll be right down as soon as I telephone.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Yes, do, dear. [_Mrs. Ritter goes out at the left, and Mrs. Pampinelli turns, touching her hair, and starts back towards the right. Something falls beyond the flats. She stops dead, and listens. Mrs. Fell turns quickly and peeks through the right door. Twiller comes forward at the right and looks inquiringly._]

FLORENCE. [_Just audible beyond the flats_] Then, you’ve allowed him to think so.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. What’s that?

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] Perhaps it is.

MRS. FELL. [_Turning to Mrs. Pampinelli, and quite casually_] He knocked the ash-tray over. [_Mrs. Pampinelli relaxes, and proceeds to arrange the beaded ornaments on her dress, while Mrs. Fell moves a bit farther over to the right and stands listening, manuscript and lorgnon in hand. Twiller crosses to the left, below Mrs. Fell, and gathers up his gloves and cane._]

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Beyond the flats_] You are deliberately misinterpreting this situation! Yes you are! It’s perfectly ridiculous that a physician cannot take a woman patient without being subjected to the whisperings of a lot of vulgar scandal-mongers.

FLORENCE. This is not a romantic age, Clyde.

TWILLER. [_Coming to Mrs. Pampinelli’s right_] Was that inflection of mine any better tonight on that line, “I’m puzzled.”?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Oh, very much better, I was listening for it.

TWILLER. [_Thoughtfully_] I never seemed to get the sense of that line until tonight. It just seemed to--come to me, out there on the stage.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Oh, that is a very significant line, Mr. Twiller, coming where it does. [_Spindler comes wandering on from the left, comes forward, looks about, and goes up to the side wing and looks through._]

TWILLER. I felt a great deal easier in that new business of turning--down at the bookcase that you gave me last night.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_With a touch of smugness_] Much better.

TWILLER. Did you notice it?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, of course, I couldn’t see it, I was here; but I could sense it; and I could tell from the _tone_ of the scene that it was better. [_Spindler moves over to the extreme left, about half-way back, and, taking the refractory telephone-bell-arrangement from his pocket, starts to tinker with it._]

TWILLER. I just turned my head _this_ way, [_He turns his head sharply to the right, keeping his body and shoulders perfectly rigid._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Excellent.

TWILLER. [_Turning back to her_] Without moving my body.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Very good.

TWILLER. Instead of making the full swing around, [_He makes a complete swing around on his right foot._] the way I had been doing. [_Mrs. Fell raises her lorgnon and looks over, curiously._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. A very good change.

TWILLER. [_Very seriously_] I _felt_ that it got them.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, you see, it gave them the full benefit of your expression. [_They nod agreement._]

TWILLER. There’s a great deal of light and shade in that part, right in there.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Deprecatingly_] Ho! my dear,--it is _all_ light and shade;--even to the gestures. [_She makes a Delsartian movement with her arms and hands. Mrs. Fell comes forward a little further and observes the gesture keenly, through her lorgnon._] ....

TWILLER. [_Rather troubled, and shaking his head a bit_] I’ve got to put in a lot of work on _my_ gestures,--they’re bad, I know.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, I shouldn’t exactly say that your gestures were bad; but I think, perhaps----

TWILLER. [_Leaning heavily on his cane_] I--ah--I think I try too hard to be natural.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Smiling, biting her lip, and rolling her eyes_] That’s exactly what I was going to say. Your gestures are, in a way, _too_ natural. [_She gives a little mirthless laugh, and, out of courtesy, he joins her._] Of course, that is a very virtuous fault; but it isn’t pretty, is it? [_She laughs again._]

TWILLER. No, it isn’t. [_The stage manager gets up, stretches himself, and comes forward at the left._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. And, after all, the function of art is to be pretty, is it not? [_She repeats the floating gesture._]

TWILLER. [_Trying to imitate her_] I don’t seem to be able--to _do_ that, the way you do. [_Mrs. Fell feels the call, and, putting the manuscript under her arm, tries rather unsuccessfully to copy the movement._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Oh, it is purely a matter of experience, Mr. Twiller. But when you’ve been in the work as long as I have,--you’ll realize that the bird’s-wing gesture is the _only_ gesture. [_She illustrates again, for the edification of her disciples; and they attempt rather faithfully to imitate her. The stage manager stands looking at them._]

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] But it has its compensations--You’ll have your memories, [_There is a confusion of voices from beyond the flats, and cries of “Sit down!”_]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Startled_] What’s that? [_Mrs. Fell rushes to the right door and peeks through, Twiller goes over to the right and up, and the stage manager rushes back to his post and disappears at the left._] What is it, Nelly?

MRS. FELL. [_Turning suddenly to Mrs. Pampinelli_] They’re carrying a man out of the audience! [_She looks back again through the peek, and Mrs. Pampinelli steps to the left door and peeks. Mrs. Sheppard sweeps on up at the left, and comes forward. She is a slim brunette, in her thirties, very attractive, and wearing the very last whisper in widow’s weeds. She looks around, rather dramatically, then sees the ladies. Mrs. Fell looks away from the peek-hole and sees her._] Betty, there’s Clara!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Looking at Nelly_] What?

MRS. FELL. [_Not wishing to be heard_] Clara Sheppard. [_Mrs. Pampinelli turns quickly._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Oh, Clara! [_She goes towards her, and Clara advances a little._] I’m so glad to see you! [_Clara breaks down and weeps._] Now, don’t do that, dear. You know Jimmy wouldn’t for anything in the world want you to feel that way. So be brave, honey. It was splendid of you to come here at all. And you look wonderful.

MRS. SHEPPARD. I must look perfectly dreadful.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. You don’t look anything of the kind, darling, you look perfectly beautiful.

MRS. SHEPPARD. All I’ve done is cry.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I know just how you feel.

MRS. SHEPPARD. But I didn’t want you to think I’d entirely forsaken the cause.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Oh, my dear, we understood perfectly.

MRS. SHEPPARD. But I just felt I _had_ to come here tonight.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Have you been out in front, Clara?

MRS. SHEPPARD. Yes, I just _had_ to see it. I don’t think anybody saw me; I came in late, and stood way at the back.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. They’d hardly see you.

MRS. SHEPPARD. I don’t think so; I kept my veil lowered. Of course, I should _love_ to have been right down in front, where I could get all those _wonderful_ little subtleties. But, you know how it is,--I was afraid people might not understand my being here at all. It’s only three weeks, you know.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. They wouldn’t, either.

MRS. SHEPPARD. That’s what I thought.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I don’t suppose there’s one person in _ten thousand_ that has dramatic instinct enough to appreciate the way you feel. [_She turns to the left door and listens._]

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Beginning to cry again_] The flowers in the lobby are perfectly beautiful.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Still listening_] Yes, but I’m not having them passed over the footlights tonight.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Drying her eyes_] No?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Except one bouquet for each of the ladies. It took up too much time the last time.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Glancing about_] Where’s Paula?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. She’s upstairs, telephoning. She’s rather annoyed about Fred, you know.

MRS. SHEPPARD. What about him? [_Mrs. Pampinelli turns from the door suddenly and looks at her._]

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] There is, my dear boy,--for lots of people----

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Why, my dear, didn’t you hear?--about him falling downstairs last night?

MRS. SHEPPARD. Oh, not really!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Coming towards her_] He fell almost the entire flight.

MRS. SHEPPARD. Oh, dear me!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Poor Paula’s terribly upset.

MRS. SHEPPARD. What was he doing, coming down the stairs?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. No, he was watching our rehearsal. You know, we held the final rehearsal at Paula’s house last night--we couldn’t get this place.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Solicitously_] Well, did he break any _bones_, Betty?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. No,--Doctor Wentworth said--he was unconscious before he hit the floor. He said the fall was the result of a collapse; and that he would have fallen no matter where he had been. Unfortunately, he just happened to be on the stairs. [_She turns back again to the left door._]

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Retrospectively_] I _thought_ he looked pale when I saw him out there tonight. [_Mrs. Pampinelli turns suddenly and looks at her._]

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] And you have a very modern wife.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. When you saw him out here, you mean? [_She indicates the audience beyond the flats._]

MRS. SHEPPARD. Yes; he was standing out there at the back, right near _me_.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Coming towards her again_] You _must_ be mistaken, Clara.

MRS. SHEPPARD. No, Betty, I’m quite _sure_ I saw him.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, the only thing _I_ know is that Paula said he hadn’t regained consciousness when she left the house this evening at seven-thirty. [_Mrs. Ritter comes on up at the back, from the left, and comes forward._] Here’s Paula now!

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Turning round to her left_] Poor dear, she must be terribly upset.

MRS. RITTER. [_Extending her arms_] Clara, dear! [_Mrs. Sheppard bursts into tears again._] This is so nice of you! [_They embrace each other, and Mrs. Ritter starts to cry._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Isn’t she the sweet thing! [_The door at the right opens._]

MRS. FELL. [_To the ladies_] Shush! [_They all turn and look toward the right door._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_With a gesture to Mrs. Ritter and Mrs. Sheppard_] Shush! [_Hossefrosse comes out the right door._]

FLORENCE. [_Beyond the flats_] It’s gotten very chilly.

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Picking up his hat, cane and gloves from the chair_] Yes, I know it has; I just came in a few minutes ago.

FLORENCE. You had tickets for the theatre, didn’t you?

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Stepping back through the right door again_] Yes.

FLORENCE. Why not take me?--for a change. [_The door closes._] You used to--years ago.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning to Mrs. Ritter and Mrs. Sheppard_] Paula, Clara says she thinks she saw Mr. Ritter out there tonight.

MRS. RITTER. [_Standing at the left_] My dear, Jenny just told me over the telephone that he regained consciousness a half-hour after I left the house, and went out. Said she thought from the way he talked he was coming here.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_In the center_] Yes, I was _sure_ I saw him standing out there-- [_Turning to Mrs. Ritter_] I was just telling Betty.

MRS. RITTER. I wonder if he’s out there yet.

MRS. SHEPPARD. I don’t know, dear.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. How much of the play did you see, Clara?

MRS. SHEPPARD. Why, I stayed just as long as I could, Betty. But when Paula came on, and I heard those lines of mine again, I just couldn’t stand it. [_She breaks down, and buries her face in her handkerchief._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Laying her hand on her arm_] I know, Clara--you’re such an artist.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Pressing her hands against her bosom_] Everything just seemed to come back on me.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I know how it is, dear.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Speaking directly to Mrs. Pampinelli_] I got thinking how Jimmy would feel, if he could know, that _he_ was the cause of standing in the way of my first _real_ opportunity. [_She cries again._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Raising her eyes to Heaven_] Perhaps he does know, dear.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Turning to her again_] I mean, you know, he was always so anxious about my getting into the work. And, somehow or other, I always _felt_--that I could have done so much with that part. [_Mrs. Ritter gives a vague little laugh, and Mrs. Sheppard turns to her quickly._] Oh, of course, you were perfectly _adorable_ in it, darling, I don’t mean that-- [_The left door opens, and Florence is standing in it, about to come out._]

MRS. FELL. [_To Mrs. Pampinelli, Mrs. Ritter and Mrs. Sheppard_] Shush!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning and going closer to the left door_] Excuse me, Clara.

MRS. SHEPPARD. Certainly, dear. [_Twiller comes forward at the right._]

FLORENCE. [_Stepping through the door_] By the way, there was a Mr. Robinson telephoned this morning, after you’d left the house-- [_Mrs. Sheppard waves her handkerchief at Florence, and Florence replies by quietly flicking her fingers at her. Then, still keeping in her character, she moves slowly towards the right, leaving the door open behind her._] He said something about a list being correct.

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Appearing in the doorway, carrying his hat, cane and gloves_] Yes, I know. [_He reaches towards the left, beyond the flats, as though he were pushing an electric-light button, then thrusts his head through the door and says in a fierce whisper._] Lights.

FLORENCE. Lights out!

MRS. FELL and MRS. PAMPINELLI, together.

MRS. FELL. Put out the lights, somebody!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Lights, Mr. Stage Manager! [_The stage manager
appears from the left, at the back._]

SPINDLER. [_Springing from the left, where he has been engaged in trying to repair the telephone-battery_] Lights out!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Where are you! [_The stage manager reaches up and pulls one of the switches on the switch-board at the back, and the lights beyond the flats go out; then he disappears again at the left._]

SPINDLER and HOSSEFROSSE, together.

SPINDLER. I was right here!

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Coming through the door_] Yes, I know,-- [_Closing the
door behind him_] I talked to him. [_Puts his hat on_]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Well, why aren’t you right _here_, where you should be! Stand by for the curtain, now,--see if you can do that much right. Surely, it’s the old story of the lark,--if you want a thing done, do it yourself! Curtain!

SPINDLER. [_Shouting_] Curtain! [_The curtain, beyond the flats, begins to roll down, and there is thunderous applause._]

MRS. FELL. [_To Florence_] Marvelous, darling! [_Florence waves at her, turns, and rushes back towards the left._] Just lovely, Huxley!

HOSSEFROSSE. Thanks. [_He turns to the left._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Lights up! Splendid, children!

FLORENCE. I’m awfully glad to see you, Clara!

MRS. SHEPPARD, MRS. PAMPINELLI, HOSSEFROSSE and SPINDLER, together.

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Shaking hands with Florence_] You were wonderful,
Flossie!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Take up the curtain, Mr. Stage Manager!

HOSSEFROSSE. Thank you very much.

SPINDLER. Lights up! [_The stage manager appears from the left and
pulls the switch again, and the lights beyond the flats go on._]

SPINDLER. Take it up! [_The stage manager darts off again to the left. The waltz-music on the piano, beyond the flats, begins again._]

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Lifting his hat and beaming_] Hello, Clara!

MRS. SHEPPARD. Wonderful! [_He deprecates profusely. The curtain rises again._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Go on, Mr. Hossefrosse! [_He opens the right door, removing his hat._] Wait a moment, Mr. Hossefrosse! Come on, Florence! [_Hossefrosse stops uncertainly in the doorway and looks at Mrs. Pampinelli._] It’s all right! Go on! [_She opens the left door._] Here, go on here, Florence! [_They go on, bowing, and there is prolonged applause._] Come on, Paula! go on here! [_The curtain descends again. Paula scurries to the left door, giggling._] Where’s Mr. Twiller!

TWILLER. [_Springing over from the right, where he has been talking and laughing with Mrs. Fell_] Here I am!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning to the left_] Take it up again, Mr. Stage Manager! [_Turning back to Twiller, and opening the door_] Here, Mr. Twiller, take Paula on! [_The curtain can be seen through the left door rising again._] Come on, Paula! [_Twiller drops his cane, in shifting it from his right hand to his left._] Hurry up! [_He snatches the cane up, and, taking Paula by the arm, escorts her through the door. But she trips over the door-strip, nevertheless. And there is sustained applause. Mrs. Fell, over at the right, begins to preen herself feverishly. Mrs. Pampinelli closes the door slowly, and stands listening, smiling. Teddy appears up at the left and comes forward, pressing his violet handkerchief to his brow, and looking very wan. Mrs. Pampinelli turns to him._] Come on, Teddy, hurry up! They’re just going on! How do you feel? [_The curtain descends._]

TEDDY. Only fair.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Taking him by the right arm and urging him towards the right_] Here, Nelly, go on for a bow with Teddy! [_Rushing back towards the left_] Take it up again, Mr. Stage Manager!

MRS. PAMPINELLI, TEDDY and SPINDLER, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Mr. Spindler!

TEDDY. [_Opening the right door_] Come on, Nelly!

SPINDLER. [_Half-way back, at the left_] Take it up! [_Rushing forward
at the left_] Yes?

MRS. PAMPINELLI and MRS. FELL, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_To Spindler_] Keep it going up and down till I tell
you to stop! And keep it up the next time till the gentlemen get the
flowers!

MRS. FELL. [_Shrinking away a little more to the right of the door,
but still preening herself, almost hysterically, and breaking into a
little nervous laugh_] Oh, no, really, dear! I wouldn’t _think_ of it!
[_Teddy goes through the right door. The curtain can be seen rising
again; then the door closes after him; and Mrs. Fell continues
talking, to herself._] Why, what have I done that I should go on. I
wouldn’t mind if I’d taken some part in the play,--but I certainly
don’t see--

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Rushing back to the right_] Go on, Nelly! what are you waiting for? [_The curtain descends again. Mrs. Fell rushes towards Mrs. Pampinelli._]

MRS. FELL. [_Handing Mrs. Pampinelli the rolled manuscript_] Hold this!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Hurry, dear! [_Mrs. Fell rushes to the right door, settles herself finally, and flings the door open. The curtain is just rising. And, placing one hand upon her bosom, dropping her eyes and smiling, Nelly sways through the door, acknowledging the plaudits. Mrs. Pampinelli, standing in the middle of the stage, applauds, also, hitting the manuscript against her hand. The door closes after Mrs. Fell. Mrs. Sheppard, over at the left, suddenly bursts into tears and buries her face in her handkerchief. Mrs. Pampinelli turns quickly and looks at her, then crosses towards her._] Do you want to take a bow, Clara?

MRS. SHEPPARD. Oh, no, thank you! [_Mrs. Pampinelli turns back to the left door._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Get those flowers, boys! Keep it up, Mr. Stage Manager! Come on, Clara! go on for a bow! [_Reaches for Mrs. Sheppard’s hand_]

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Giving Mrs. Pampinelli her hand, and allowing herself to be drawn towards the right_] Do you think they’d understand, Betty?

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Of course, they would, my dear! They know it isn’t your fault that you’re not appearing! [_Mrs. Fell thrusts open the right door. She has a basket of roses in her hand._]

MRS. FELL. They’re _calling_ for you, Betty! [_Someone in the audience can be heard calling Mrs. Pampinelli’s name._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Here, Nelly, take Clara on for a bow!

MRS. FELL. [_Impatiently_] They’re calling for you, dear! [_Mrs. Sheppard hastily throws her veil back, dramatically._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I’ll take one alone, afterwards! [_The applause swells again._] Go on, Clara!

MRS. FELL. [_Extending her right hand_] Come on, dear!

MRS. SHEPPARD. [_Giving Mrs. Fell her left hand_] Oh, I don’t feel that I should! [_Mrs. Fell keeps the door open, and Clara droops through, bowing. Then Mrs. Fell closes the door and Mrs. Pampinelli turns to the left._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. Keep it up, Mr. Spindler!

SPINDLER. Keep it up!

HOSSEFROSSE. [_Thrusting open the left door_] Mrs. Pampinelli! [_There is a vision through the door of the various artists bowing towards the back wall, all the ladies laden with flowers._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. All right, dear! I’m coming! [_Hossefrosse closes the door, and Mrs. Pampinelli deftly touches her hair and flings her train out to its full length behind her. Then she speaks in a loud voice, so that she may be heard by those on the other side of the flats._] Everybody stand to one side! Stand to one side, everybody! [_She pulls open the left door and stands, smiling: then she steps through the door; and, instantly, the curtain falls with a deafening crash. The door closes after her. Nelly Fell gives a piercing scream. Spindler comes rushing down from the left to the left door._]

TEDDY. [_Shouting, beyond the flats_] Curtain!

HOSSEFROSSE. Take up the curtain!

TWILLER. Take it up! [_There is a babel of voices beyond the flats. Then the left door is thrust violently open, and Mrs. Pampinelli looks out._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Harshly, to Spindler_] What’s the matter with the curtain?

SPINDLER. [_In a panic of excitement_] Something’s broke! [_The stage manager rushes on from the left and comes forward._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Coming out through the door and calling to the stage manager, whom she hasn’t seen yet_] Take up the curtain, Mr. Stage Manager!

STAGE MANAGER. I can’t take it up, the guy-rope’s broken! [_He goes up at the left._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. What? [_Mrs. Fell comes running through the right door, carrying her basket of flowers, and crosses towards the left._]

MRS. FELL and SPINDLER, together.

MRS. FELL. What is it, Betty?

SPINDLER. [_To Mrs. Pampinelli_] He says the guy-rope’s broken!

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Brushing him aside, to the left, and rushing up at the left_] My God! did anyone ever hear of such stupidity!

MRS. PAMPINELLI, MRS. FELL and SPINDLER, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I’ll go on at the side here!

MRS. FELL. What’s the matter, Mr. Spindler?

SPINDLER. [_Shouting after Mrs. Pampinelli_] He says he can’t get it
up! [_Mrs. Sheppard comes through the right doorway with an armload
of American Beauty roses, and stands looking anxiously from side to
side. Teddy follows her out and stands at her right, discussing the
incident. Florence opens the left door and comes out. Her arms are
full of tiger-lilies. She moves to the right and speaks to Mrs.
Sheppard, nervously._]

STAGE MANAGER. You can’t get through there, lady! [_Twiller comes out the left door._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI and STAGE MANAGER, together;

MRS. PAMPINELLI. I must get through somewhere!

STAGE MANAGER. That tormentor’s too narrow there!

MRS. PAMPINELLI, STAGE MANAGER and MRS. FELL, together.

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_Turning frantically and rushing forward again at
the left_] I’ll try the other side! He says it’s too narrow there!

STAGE MANAGER. I don’t know how you’re going to do it!

MRS. FELL. [_As Mrs. Pampinelli sweeps between her and Spindler_] What
is it he says is broken, Betty? [_Mrs. Pampinelli rushes over towards
the right. She literally sweeps Twiller, who is in her path, out of
the way, and he falls backward over a stage-brace, onto the floor.
Mrs. Fell picks up her dress and runs after Mrs. Pampinelli._]

SPINDLER. [_Outrunning Mrs. Fell_] The guy-rope!

MRS. FELL. Well, why doesn’t he fix it! Betty! Betty dear! [_Mrs. Pampinelli rushes up at the extreme right and tries desperately to find a way of getting through; but everything is solidly masked. Hossefrosse comes out the left door, and the stage manager comes forward at the left and stands looking after Mrs. Pampinelli._]

HOSSEFROSSE. What’s the matter, can’t Mrs. Pampinelli get her bow?

STAGE MANAGER. She can’t get on any more from that side than she can from this! [_Hossefrosse steps out through the door and looks toward the right. The door closes after him._] There’s the same opening over there as there is here! [_The applause beyond the flats, which has kept up throughout the debacle, begins to die. Mrs. Pampinelli comes sweeping back from the right with fire in her eye,--Nelly Fell and Spindler still at her heels. She plants herself in the middle of the stage and glares at the stage manager._]

MRS. PAMPINELLI. [_In a voice shrill with anger_] My God! what’s the matter with your curtain!

STAGE MANAGER. [_Losing his temper_] The guy-rope’s broken! I’ve told you that about a dozen times! [_He turns doggedly away to the left, as though he were going up to his chair; but he stops short and finishes his remarks to her over his left shoulder._] What do you want me to do, write you a letter! [_The left door is pushed quietly open; and Mrs. Ritter, with her face just visible above a perfect screen of roses, looks blankly at the stage manager._]

MRS. RITTER. [_Vaguely_] There’s something the matter with the curtain. [_The real stage curtain commences to descend._]

STAGE MANAGER. [_Leaning towards her, assuming her general manner and tone, and flipping his hand at her_] Y-E-E-S! [_He goes up towards his chair, and Mrs. Ritter stands in wide-eyed astonishment._]

END OF THE ACT.

THE TORCH-BEARERS.