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.
BAXTER (keeping it firmly in his hand, and sitting down on the sofa). It will be all right here, thank you.
BELINDA (returning to her chair). 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.