The act opens in the foyer of a California mansion.
A doorbell rings. No reply is seen or heard. There is an uneasy pause, then a knocking which begins softly and increases in volume until the door is being pounded upon; then this too ceases.
[calling from offstage] James! [again, louder] James!
The double doors leading outside open to admit a young woman. A printed notice is seen hanging from the doorknob.
What in the world is going on? Where are you, James?
She walks off into the main hall in search of James.
