xit_ Tranto, _L_.)

MRS. CULVER (_with a gesture towards the door, L_). There's something
between those two.

CULVER. I doubt it. (_With a sigh_.)

MRS. CULVER. What do you mean--you doubt it?

CULVER. They're probably too close together for there to be anything
between them.

MRS. CULVER (_shakes her head, smiling sceptically_). The new generation
has no romance. (_In a new tone_.) Arthur, kiss me.

CULVER. I'm dashed if I do!

MRS. CULVER. Then I'll kiss you! (_She gives him a long kiss_.)

(_The lunch gong sounds during the embrace. Startled, they separate_.)

CULVER. Food!

MRS. CULVER (_with admiring enthusiasm_). You've behaved splendidly.

CULVER. Yes, that's what you always say when you've won and I--haven't.
(_She kisses him again_.)

_Enter the_ Parlourmaid, _back_.

PARLOURMAID. Miss Starkey is still waiting, sir.

CULVER. Inexorable creature! I won't--I will not--(_suddenly
remembering that he has nothing to fear from_ Miss Starkey; _gaily_).
Yes, I'll see her. She must lunch with us. May she lunch with us,
Hermione?

MRS. CULVER (_submissively_). Why, Arthur, _of course!_ (_To_
Parlourmaid.) Miss Starkey can have Master John's place. Some lunch must
be kept warm for Master John. (_As the_ Parlourmaid _is leaving_.) One
moment--bring up some champagne, please.

PARLOURMAID. Yes, Madam.

(_Exit_ Parlourmaid.)

CULVER. Come along, I'm hungry. (_Leading her towards the door. Then
stopping_.) I say.... Oh well, never mind.

MRS. CULVER. But what?

CULVER. You're a staggering woman, that's all. (_Exit_ Culver _and_ Mrs.
Culver, _back_.)

_Enter_ Hildegarde _and_ Tranto.

HILDEGARDE (_plaintively, as they enter_). I told you my nerves were all
upset, and yet you ran off before I--before I--and now it's lunch time!

TRANTO (_facing her suddenly_). Hilda! I now give you my defence. (_He
kisses her_.)

_Enter_ Culver, _back, in time to interrupt the embrace_.

CULVER. Excuse me. My wife sent me to ask if you'd lunch, Tranto. I
gather that you _will_.

CURTAIN.

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