BAXTER. I don't see why not.

BELINDA. Well, there's just a little difficulty in the way.

DEVENISH. What is it? I will remove it. For you I could remove
anything--yes, even Baxter. (He looks at BAXTER, who is sitting
more solidly than ever in his chair.)

BELINDA. And anyhow I should have to choose between you.

DEVENISH (in a whisper). Choose me.

BAXTER (stiffly). Mrs. Tremayne does not require any prompting. A
fair field and let the best man win.

DEVENISH (going across to and slapping the astonished BAXTER
on the back). Aye, let the best man win! Well spoken, Baxter.
(To BELINDA) Send us out into the world upon some knightly quest,
lady, and let the victor be rewarded.

BAXTER. I--er--ought to say that I should be unable to go very far.
I have an engagement to speak at Newcastle on the 2lst.

DEVENISH. Baxter, I will take no unfair advantage of you. Let the
beard of the Lord Mayor of Newcastle be the talisman that my lady
demands; I am satisfied.

BAXTER. This sort of thing is entirely contrary to my usual mode of
life, but I will not be outfaced by a mere boy. (Slapping his