(BELINDA holds the place with her other hand, and still looking at MR. BAXTER, slowly begins to laugh—half-laughter, half-tears, wonderingly, happily, contentedly.)
BELINDA. And I didn't know!
BAXTER. 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. So I was right, after all! (Slowly and triumphantly.) He does look better without a beard!