HILDEGARDE. It was Johnnie did it.
CULVER. It wasn't— I know.
HILDEGARDE ( exasperated ). I say it was! ( Apologetically ). So sorry, dad. ( Kisses him ). Where are they, those two? ( Sits ).
CULVER. Mother and John? Don't know. I fancy somebody called as I came down.
HILDEGARDE. Called! Before lunch! Who was it?
CULVER. Haven't the faintest.
Enter John, back .
JOHN ( proudly ). I say, good people! New acquaintance of mine! Just looked in. Met him at the Automobile this morning with Skewes. I was sure you'd all give your heads to see the old chap, so I asked him to lunch on the chance. Dashed if he didn't accept! You see we'd been talking a bit about politics. He's the most celebrated man in London. I doubt if there's a fellow I admire more in the whole world—or you either. He's knocked the mater flat already. Between ourselves, I really asked him because I thought he might influence her on this baronetcy business. However, that's all off now. What are you staring at?
CULVER. We're only bursting with curiosity to hear the name of this paragon of yours. As a general rule I like to know beforehand whom I'm going to lunch with in my own house.
JOHN. It's Sampson Straight.