CULVER ( to Hildegarde). She'll give me notice the minute she knows she can't call me Sir Arthur. ( Shudders .) I quail.
Enter Mrs. Culver and Sampson Straight, back .
( The Parlourmaid holds the door for them, and then exit .)
MRS. CULVER. This is my husband. Arthur, dear—Mr. Sampson Straight. And this is my little daughter. (Hilda bows , John surveys the scene with satisfaction .)
CULVER ( recovering his equipoise; shaking hands heartily ). Mr. Straight. Delighted to meet you. I simply cannot tell you how unexpected this pleasure is.
STRAIGHT. You're too kind.
CULVER ( gaily ). I doubt it. I doubt it.
STRAIGHT. I ought to apologise for coming in like this. But I've been so charmingly received by Mrs. Culver—
MRS. CULVER. You've been so charming about my boy, Mr. Straight.
STRAIGHT. I was so very greatly impressed by your son this morning at the Club that I couldn't resist the opportunity he gave me of visiting his home. What I say is: like parents, like child. I'm an old-fashioned man.