HILDEGARDE ( impatiently; standing up ). But I do tell you.
TRANTO. Sorry! Sorry! Do be merciful! My feelings about you at this very moment are so, if I may use the term, unbridled—
HILDEGARDE ( with false gentle calm ). And that's not all. I suppose you haven't by any chance told father that I'm Sampson Straight?
TRANTO. Certainly not.
HILDEGARDE. You're sure?
TRANTO. Absolutely.
HILDEGARDE. Well, I'm sorry.
TRANTO. Why?
HILDEGARDE ( quietly sarcastic ). Because papa told me you did tell him. Therefore father is a liar. I don't like being the daughter of a liar. I hate liars.
TRANTO. Aren't you rather cutting yourself off from mankind?