(Baxter displays annoyance, and continues his walk to L.)
Baxter. It is only by accident–an accident which we both deplore–that we have met at all, and in any case I am a considerably older man than yourself. (Sits L.)
Devenish. Mr. Baxter–father–(gesture of annoyance from Baxter)–I have a proposal to make. We will leave it to this beautiful flower to decide which of us the lady loves.
Baxter (turning round). Eh?
Devenish (pulling off the petals). She loves me, she loves Mr. Baxter, she loves me, she loves Mr. Baxter–(Belinda appears in the porch)–Heaven help her!–she loves me—
Belinda (coming down R.). What are you doing, Mr. Devenish!
Devenish (throwing away the flower and bowing very low). My lady.
(Baxter rises quickly.)
Baxter (removing his bowler-hat stiffly). Good afternoon, Mrs. Tremayne.
(She gives her left hand to Devenish, who kisses it, and her right to Baxter, who shakes it.)