MRS. CULVER (_settling_ Mr. Culver _into a chair_). She's done it simply because I told her to-night that rationing is definitely coming in. Her reply was that the kitchen would never stand it, whatever the Government said. She was quite upset--and so she's gone and done something to the dinner. CULVER. Surely rather illogical of her, isn't it? Or have I missed a link in the chain of reasoning? MRS. CULVER. I shall give her notice--after dinner. JOHN. Couldn't you leave it till after the holidays, mother? HILDEGARDE. And where shall you find another cook, mamma? MRS. CULVER. The first thing is to get rid of the present one. Then we shall see. CULVER. My dear, you talk as if she was a prime minister. Still, it might be a good plan to sack all the servants before rationing comes in, and engage deaf-mutes. MRS. CULVER. Deaf-mutes! CULVER. Deaf-mutes. Then they wouldn't be worried by the continual groaning of _my_ hunger, and I shouldn't hear any complaints about _theirs_. MRS. CULVER (_to_ Hildegarde). My pet, you've time to change now. Do run and change. You're so sombre. HILDEGARDE. I can't do it in twenty minutes. MRS. CULVER. Then put a bright shawl on--for papa's sake. HILDEGARDE. I haven't got a bright shawl. MRS. CULVER. Then take mine. The one with the pink beads on it. It's in my wardrobe--right-hand side. JOHN. That means it'll be on the left-hand side. (_Exit_ Hildegarde, _back, with a look at Tranto, who opens the door for her_.) MRS. CULVER (_with sweet apprehensiveness_). Now Arthur, I'm afraid after all you have something on your mind. CULVER. I've got nothing on my stomach, anyway. (_Bracing himself_.) Yes, darling, it's true. I have got something on my mind. Within the last hour I've had a fearful shock-- MRS. CULVER. I knew it! CULVER. And I need sustaining. I hadn't meant to say anything until after dinner, but in view of cook's drastic alterations in the time-table I may as well tell you (_looking round_) at once. MRS. CULVER. It's something about the Government again. CULVER. The Government has been in a very serious situation. MRS. CULVER (_alarmed_). You mean they're going to ask you to resign? CULVER. I wish they would! MRS. CULVER. Arthur! Do please remember the country is at war.