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.