Delia. What did she say?
Devenish. She accepted me conditionally.
Delia. Oh, do tell me!
Devenish. It is rather an unhappy story. This man called Baxter in his vulgar way also made a proposal of marriage. Mrs. Tremayne was gracious enough to imply that she would marry whichever one of us fulfilled a certain condition.
Delia. How sweet of her!
Devenish. It is my earnest hope, Miss Delia, that the man called Baxter will be the victor. As far as is consistent with honour, I shall endeavour to let Mr. Baxter (banging the table with his hand) win.
Delia. What was the condition?
Devenish. That I am not at liberty to tell.
Delia. Oh!
Devenish. It is, I understand, to be a surprise for you.