MRS. CULVER.  She went in there.

TRANTO.  I must just speak to her.

(Exit 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.