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.
(BAXTER _moves to the chair_ L. _of_ C. _table and sits_. BELINDA _rises when he has sat down_.)
Let me put your hat down somewhere for you.
BAXTER (_keeping it firmly in his hand_). It will be all right here, thank you.
BELINDA (_returning to the Chesterfield and sitting_). I'm dying to hear what you are going to say.
BAXTER. First as regards the use of your Christian name. I felt that, as a man of honour, I could not permit myself to use it until I had established my right over that of Mr. Devenish.
BELINDA. All my friends call me Belinda.
BAXTER. As between myself and Mr. Devenish the case is somewhat different. Until one of us is successful over the other in the quest upon which you have sent us, I feel that as far as possible we should hold aloof from you.
BELINDA (_pleadingly_). Just say "Belinda" once more, in case you're a long time.
BAXTER (_very formally_). Belinda.
BELINDA. How nicely you say it--Harold.
BAXTER (_getting out of his seat_). Mrs. Tremayne, I must not listen to this.
BELINDA (_meekly_). I won't offend again, Mr. Baxter. Please go on. (_She motions him to sit--he does so_.) Tell me about the quest; are you winning?
BAXTER. I am progressing, Mrs. Tremayne. Indeed, I came here this morning to acquaint you with the results of my investigations. (_Clears his throat_.) Yesterday I located a man called Robinson working upon a farm close by. I ventured to ask him if he had any marks upon him by which he could be recognized. He adopted a threatening attitude, and replied that if I wanted any he could give me some. With the aid of half-a-crown I managed to placate him. Putting my inquiry in another form, I asked if he had any moles. A regrettable misunderstanding, which led to a fruitless journey to another part of the village, was eventually cleared up, and on my return I satisfied myself that this man was in no way related to your niece.
BELINDA (_admiringly_). How splendid of you!
BAXTER. Yes.
BELINDA. Well, now, we know _he's_ not. (_She holds up one finger_.)
BAXTER. Yes. In the afternoon I located another Mr. Robinson following the profession of a carrier. My first inquiries led to a similar result, with the exception that in this case Mr. Robinson carried his threatening attitude so far as to take off his coat and roll up his sleeves. Perceiving at once that he was not the man, I withdrew.
BELINDA. How brave you are!
BAXTER. Yes.
BELINDA. That makes two.
BAXTER. Yea.
BELINDA (_holding up another finger_). It still leaves a good many. (_Pleadingly_.) Just call me Belinda again.
BAXTER (_rising and backing to_ R. _a little, nervously_). You mustn't tempt me, Mrs. Tremayne.
BELINDA (_penitently_). I won't!
BAXTER (_going slowly to fireplace and placing his hat down on urmchair below fireplace_). To resume, then, my narrative. This morning I have heard of a third Mr. Robinson. Whether there is actually any particular fortune attached to the number three I cannot say for certain. It is doubtful whether statistics would be found to support the popular belief. But one likes to flatter oneself that in one's own case it may be true; and so--
BELINDA. And so the third Mr. Robinson--?
BAXTER. Something for which I cannot altogether account inspires me with hope. He is, I have discovered, staying at Mariton. This afternoon I go to look for him.
BELINDA (_to herself_). Mariton! How funny! I wonder if it's the same one.
BAXTER. What one?
BELINDA. Oh, just one of the ones. (_Gratefully_.) Mr. Baxter, you are doing all this for _me_.
BAXTER. Pray do not mention it. I don't know if it's Devonshire (_going to and sitting_ L. _of_ BELINDA), or the time of the year, or the sort of atmosphere you create, Mrs. Tremayne, but I feel an entirely different man. There is something in the air which--yes, I shall certainly go over to Mariton this afternoon.
BELINDA (_gravely_). I have had the same feeling sometimes, Mr. Baxter. I am not always the staid respectable matron which I appear to you to be. Sometimes I--(_She looks absently at the watch on her wrist_.) Good gracious!
BAXTER (_alarmed_). What is it!
BELINDA (_looking anxiously from the door to him_). Mr. Baxter, I'm going to throw myself on your mercy.
BAXTER. My dear Mrs. Tremayne--
BELINDA (_looking at her watch again, rising and moving up_ L.C., _looking at door_). A strange man will be here directly. He must not find you with me.
BAXTER (_rising, jealously_). A man?
BELINDA (_excitedly_). Yes, yes, a man! He is pursuing me with his attentions. If he found you here, there would be a terrible scene.
BAXTER. I will defend you from him.
BELINDA (_crossing down to_ R. _of Chesterfield_). No, no. He is a big man. He will--he will overpower you. (_Moving_ L. _a little and looking out of windows_.)
BAXTER. But you----!
BELINDA. I can defend myself. I will send him away. But he must not find you here. You must hide before he overpowers you.
BAXTER (_with dignity, crossing below table to_ R.). I will withdraw if you wish it. BELINDA (_following to_ R. _at back of table_ C.). No, not withdraw, hide. He might see you withdrawing. (_Leading the way to the cupboard door_.) Quick, in here.
BAXTER
