Act One opens to an empty apartment in the process of being painted. Corie enters holding flowers. She is excited and energetic. A telephone repairman, Harry Pepper, buzzes to be let up and enters shortly after, gasping for air after climbing five flights, six with the front stoop. He wryly notes the apartment’s limitations—including the many flights and lack of heat—but realizes from Corie’s romanticizing that she is a newlywed. He sets up her phone and leaves, wishing her well and steeling himself for the long trip down the stairs.

Paul buzzes just as the phone rings. Corie had hoped he would arrive after the furniture was delivered. Flustered, she answers the phone. It is Paul’s office. She tells them to wait a moment as he is on his way up. Paul arrives out of breath, and Corie kisses and hugs him. They reminisce about their six-day honeymoon at the Plaza Hotel. Paul does not realize his office is on the phone until he mentions that he is waiting for what he hopes will be good news, which triggers Corie to remember the waiting caller. Paul takes the phone and learns he will be in court in the morning.