Belinda (Paperback)

Excerpt: ... if I wanted any he could give me some. With the aid of half-a-crown I managed to placate him. Putting my inquiry in another form, I asked if he had any moles. A regrettable misunderstanding, which led to a fruitless journey to another part of the village, was eventually cleared up, and on my return I satisfied myself that this man was in no way related to your niece. Belinda (admiringly). How splendid of you Baxter . Yes. Belinda . Well, now, we know he's not. (She holds up one finger.) Baxter . Yes. In the afternoon I located another Mr. Robinson following the profession of a carrier. My first inquiries led to a similar result, with the exception that in this case Mr. Robinson carried his threatening attitude so far as to take off his coat and roll up his sleeves. Perceiving at once that he was not the man, I withdrew. Belinda . How brave you are Baxter . Yes. Belinda . That makes two. Baxter . Yea. Belinda (holding up another finger). It still leaves a good many. (Pleadingly.) Just call me Belinda again. Baxter (rising and backing to R. a little, nervously). You mustn't tempt me, Mrs. Tremayne. Belinda (penitently). I won't Baxter (going slowly to fireplace and placing his hat down on urmchair below fireplace). To resume, then, my narrative. This morning I have heard of a third Mr. Robinson. Whether there is actually any particular fortune attached to the number three I cannot say for certain. It is doubtful whether statistics would be found to support the popular belief. But one likes to flatter oneself that in one's own case it may be true; and so