Enter Culver, in his velvet coat, L .
CULVER ( softly, with sprightliness ). Hello, Sampson!
HILDEGARDE. Dad, please don't call me that.
CULVER. Not when we're alone? Why?
HILDEGARDE. I—I—Dad, I'm in a fearful state of nerves just now. Lost my temper and all sorts of calamities.
CULVER. Really! I'd no idea. I gathered that the interview between you and your mother had passed quite smoothly.
HILDEGARDE. Oh! That!
CULVER. What do you mean—'Oh! That! '?
HILDEGARDE ( standing; in a new, less gloomy tone ). Papa, what are you doing out of bed? You're very ill.
CULVER. Well, I'd managed to dress before your mother and Johnnie came. As soon as they imparted to me the glad tidings that baronetcies were off I felt so well I decided to come down and thank you for your successful efforts on behalf of the family well-being. I'm no longer your father. I'm your brother.