CULVER. So it is. I've been a Conservative all my life; I am a Conservative. I swear I am. And yet, now when I look back, I'm amazed at the things I used to do. Why, once I actually voted against a candidate who stood for the reform of the House of Lords. Seems incredible. This

war is changing my ideas. ( Suddenly, after a slight pause .) I'm dashed if I don't join the Labour party and ask Ramsay Macdonald to lunch.

Enter Parlourmaid, back .

PARLOURMAID. You are wanted on the telephone, madam.

MRS. CULVER. Oh, Arthur! ( Pats him on the shoulder as she goes out .)

( Exit Mrs. Culver and Parlourmaid, back .)

CULVER. Hildegarde, go and see if you can hurry up dinner.

HILDEGARDE. No one could.

CULVER. Never mind, go and see. ( Exit Hildegarde, back .) John, just take these keys, and get some cigars out of the cabinet, you know, Partagas.

JOHN. Oh! Is it a Partaga night? ( Exit, back .)