HILDEGARDE. O yes I shall. Somehow I feel much more mature than I did yesterday.
JOHN. More mature? Stay me with flagons! I was always mature. If you knew what rot I think school is...! Well, anyway, you can begin.
HILDEGARDE. You're very polite to-day, Johnnie.
JOHN. Don't mention it. My argument 'll be the best, and I want to keep it for the end, that's all.
HILDEGARDE. Thanks. But I bet you we shall both fail.
JOHN. Well, if we do, I've still got something else waiting for her ladyship. A regular startler, my child.
Enter Mrs. Culver, back .
JOHN ( to Hildegarde, as Mrs. Culver enters ). Wait and see.
MRS. CULVER ( cheerful and affectionate, to John). So you've come in. ( To Hildegarde.) You are back early to-day! Well, my darlings, what do you want me for?