STRAIGHT. It might happen to any man.
CULVER ( looking at Mrs. Culver). So it might.
STRAIGHT. Do you wish to detain me?
TRANTO. I simply haven't the heart to do it.
STRAIGHT. Then, ladies and gentlemen, I'll say good morning.
HILDEGARDE ( stopping Straight near the door as he departs with more bows ). Good-bye! ( She holds out her hand with a smile !) And good luck!
STRAIGHT ( taking her hand ). Madam, I thank you. You evidently appreciate the fact that when one lives solely on one's wits, little mishaps are bound to occur from time to time, and that too much importance ought not to be attached to them. This is only my third slip, and I am fifty-five.
( Exit, back .)
MRS. CULVER ( to Hildegarde, gently surprised ). Darling, surely you need not have been quite so effusive!
HILDEGARDE. You see, I thought I owed him something, ( with meaning and effect ) as it was I who stole his name.