27

They are walking toward the door when they HEAR the SOUND of FOOTSTEPS racing up the metal stairway.

                        VIVIAN
       There she is now.
 
                      AUNTIE MAMA
                (doubtfully)
       Those footsteps sound too heavy to 
       be Dorothy Jean's.

The FOOTSTEPS halt at the dressing room door.  TWO GENTLE KNOCKS at the door.  VIVIAN and ETTA exchange questioning looks.

                      AUNTIE MAMA
                (warily)
       Come in…

MAURICE enters, smiling brightly.  His hands are loaded with packages.  AUNTIE MAMA pulls an unsure look at him.

                      AUNTIE MAMA
       May I help you?