STRAIGHT. Oil?
MRS. CULVER. Do sit down, Mr. Straight. ( She goes imploringly to Hildegarde, who has lost control of herself and is getting a little hysterical with mirth. Aside to Hildegarde.) Hilda! (John, puzzled and threatening, also approaches Hildegarde.)
CULVER ( sitting down by Straight.) And so, although you prefer a country life, the lure of London has been too strong for you in the end.
STRAIGHT. I came to town on business.
CULVER. Ah!
STRAIGHT. The fact is, business of the utmost importance. Perhaps I may be able to interest you in it.
CULVER. Now we're getting hotter.
CULVER. Go on, go on, Mr. Straight.
STRAIGHT. To tell you the truth—