Mrs. Culver monologue (Act 5) — The Title: A Comedy in Three Acts

(_checking a tear; very sweetly_) Well, my pets, you make life just a little difficult for me. I live only for you and your father. I think first of your father, and then of you two. For myself, I am perfectly indifferent. I consider all politics extremely silly. There never were any in my family, nor in your father's. And to me it's most extraordinary that your father should catch them so late in life. I always supposed that after thirty people were immune. (_To_ John.) You, I suppose, were bound to have them sooner or later, but that _Hilda_ should go out of her way to contract them--well, it passes me. It passes me. However, I've no more to say. Your father had made up his mind to accept the title. You want him to refuse it. I hate to influence him (Hildegarde _again hides a cynical smile_) but for your sakes I'll try to persuade him to alter his decision and refuse it.