bowler-hat on the table) I am prepared.

DEVENISH. Speak, lady.

BELINDA (speaking in a deep, mysterious voice). Gentlemen, ye put
wild thoughts into my head. In sooth, I am minded to send ye
forth upon a quest that is passing strange. Know ye that there is a
maid journeyed hither, hight Robinson--whose--(in her natural
voice) what's the old for aunt?

BAXTER (hopefully). Mother's sister.

BELINDA. You know, I think I shall have to explain this in ordinary
language. You won't mind very much, will you, Mr. Devenish?

DEVENISH. It is the spirit of this which matters, not the language
which clothes it.

BELINDA. Oh, I'm so glad you think so. Well, now about Miss
Robinson. She's my niece and she's just come to stay with me, and--
poor girl--she's lost her father. Absolutely lost him. He
disappeared ever such a long time ago, and poor Miss Robinson--
Delia--naturally wants to find him. Poor girl! she can't think
where he is.

DEVENISH (nobly). I will find him.

BELINDA. Oh, thank you, Mr. Devenish; Miss Robinson would be so
much obliged.