(Baron von Gosheimer, _ascending to the next floor, hears them and
hastens to the rescue._)

BARON--Don't be alarmed, ladies. Has either of you a poker? No? That is
to be deplored. (_Catches_ Host _by heels and drags him out. Tableau._)

HOSTESS (to Poor Relative, _giving an extra tug at her gloves_)--There,
it's all burst out on the side! That stupid saleslady said she knew they
would be too small. Oh, dear, I'm that upset! And these Louis Quinze
slippers are just murdering me. I wish it were all over.

(_Enter_ Baron von Gosheimer _and women guests._)

HOSTESS--Dear baron, how good of you! I was just saying, if you didn't
come I should wish my musicale in Jericho. And, now that you are here, I
don't care if any one else comes or not. (_To women guests._) How d'ye
do? I must apologize for Mr. Smythe--he's been detained down-town. He
just telephoned me. He'll be in later. Do sit down; it's just as cheap
as standing, I always say, and it does save your feet. You ladies can
find seats over in the corner. (_Detaining_ Baron.) Dear baron--(_Enter
guests._)

GUEST--So glad you have a clear evening. Now, when _we_ gave _our_
affair, it _poured_. Of course, _we_ had a crowd, just the same. People
_always_ come to _us_, whether it rains or not. (_Takes a seat. Guests
begin to arrive in numbers._)

HOSTESS--So sweet of you to come!