HILDEGARDE ( imitating her mothers manner ). Well, mamma darling, we hate bothering you. We know you've got quite enough worries, without having any more. But it's about this baronetcy business. (Mrs. Culver starts .) Do be an angel and listen to us.
MRS. CULVER ( with admirable self-control ). Of course, my pet. But you know the matter is quite, quite settled. Your father and I settled it together last night, and the letter of acceptance is in the hands of the Government by this time.
JOHN. It isn't, mater. It's here. ( Pulls the letter out of his pocket .)
MRS. CULVER. John! What—
JOHN. Now, now, mater! Keep calm. This is really your own doing. Pater wanted to go to
the post himself, but it was raining a bit, and you're always in such a fidget about his getting his feet wet you wouldn't let him go, and so I went instead.
HILDEGARDE. Yes, mummy darling, you must acknowledge that you were putting temptation in Johnnie's way.
JOHN. Soon as I got outside, I said to myself: 'I think the pater ought to have a night to think over this affair. It's very important. And he can easily send round an answer by hand in the morning.' So I didn't post the letter. I should have told you earlier, but you weren't down for breakfast, and I had to go out afterwards on urgent private business.
MRS. CULVER. But—but—( Controlling herself, grieved, but kind .) Your father will be terribly angry. I daren't face him.
JOHN ( only half-suppressing his amusement at the last remark ). Don't let that worry you. I'll face him. He'll be delighted. He'll write another letter, and quite a different one.