They are for the most beautiful lady in the
land.
BELINDA. Oh, how nice of you!
[DEVENISH follows DELIA out through the door on the left.]
BELINDA (unpinning her hat before a mirror). I suppose he means
Delia--bless them! (She gives a few pats to her hair and then walks
about the room singing softly to herself. She does to the front-door
and looks happily out into the garden. Suddenly she sees MR.
BAXTER approaching. She hurries back into a chair and pretends to
be very busy reading.)
BAXTER (rather nervously). Er--may I come in, Mrs. Tremayne?
BELINDA (dropping her book and turning round with a violent start).
Oh, Mr. Baxter, how you surprised me! (She puts her hand to her
heart.)
BAXTER. I must apologize for intruding upon you at this hour, Mrs.
Tremayne.
BELINDA (holding up her hand). Stop!
BAXTER (startled). What?
BELINDA. I cannot let you come in like that.
BAXTER (looking down at himself). Like what?
BELINDA (dropping her eyes). You called me Belinda once.
BAXTER (coming down to her). May I explain my position, Mrs.
Tremayne?
BELINDA. Before you begin--have you been seeing my niece lately?
BAXTER (surprised). No.
BELINDA. Oh! (Sweetly.) Please go on.
BAXTER. Why, is _she_ lost too?
BELINDA. Oh no; I just--Do sit down. Let me put your hat down
somewhere for you.
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