Baxter (moving to back of table). Mrs. Tremayne, I am delighted to have done this service for your niece—
Belinda (to herself). Of course, he knew all the time.
Baxter (to the world). Still more am I delighted to have gained the victory over Mr. Devenish in this enterprise.
Belinda. Eighteen years–but I ought to have known.
Baxter (at large). I shall not be accused of exaggerating when I say that the odds against such an enterprise were enormous.
Belinda. Eighteen years— And now I've eight whole hours to wait!
Baxter (triumphantly). It will be announced to-night. "Mr. Devenish," I shall say, "young fellow–" (He arranges his speech in his mind.)
Belinda (nodding to herself mischievously). So I was right, after all! (Slowly and triumphantly.) He does look better without a beard!
Baxter (with his hand on the back of the chair on the L. side of the table). "Mr. Devenish, young fellow, when you matched yourself against a man of my repute, when you matched yourself against a man–matched yourself against a man of my repute (crossing towards fireplace)
(Belinda rises stealthily, takes up her hat and exits through the swing doors and through the garden up R.)