BELINDA (_gravely_). I have had the same feeling sometimes, Mr. Baxter. I am not always the staid respectable matron which I appear to you to be. Sometimes I--(_She looks absently at the watch on her wrist_.) Good gracious!
BELINDA (_looking anxiously from the door to him_). Mr. Baxter, I'm going to throw myself on your mercy.
BELINDA (_looking at her watch again, rising and moving up_ L.C., _looking at door_). A strange man will be here directly. He must not find you with me.
BELINDA (_excitedly_). Yes, yes, a man! He is pursuing me with his attentions. If he found you here, there would be a terrible scene.
BELINDA (_crossing down to_ R. _of Chesterfield_). No, no. He is a big man. He will--he will overpower you. (_Moving_ L. _a little and looking out of windows_.)
BELINDA. I can defend myself. I will send him away. But he must not find you here. You must hide before he overpowers you.
BAXTER (_with dignity, crossing below table to_ R.). I will withdraw if you wish it. BELINDA (_following to_ R. _at back of table_ C.). No, not withdraw, hide. He might see you withdrawing. (_Leading the way to the cupboard door_.) Quick, in here.
BAXTER (_embarrassed at the thought that this sort of thing really only happens in a bedroom farce and moving towards her_). I don't think I quite----
BELINDA (_reassuring him_). It's perfectly respectable; it's where we keep the umbrellas. (_She takes him by the hand_.)
BAXTER (_resisting and looking nervously into the cupboard_). I'm not at all sure that I----
BELINDA (_earnestly_). Oh, but don't you see what _trust_ I'm putting in you? (_To herself_.) Some people are so nervous about their umbrellas.
BAXTER. Well, of course, if you--but I don't see why I shouldn't just slip out of the door before he comes.
BELINDA (_reproachfully_). Of course, if you grudge me every little pleasure----(_Crossing in front of_ BAXTER _towards swing doors and seeing_ TREMAYNE _coming_.) Quick! Here he is.
(_She bundles him through the cupboard door and closes it and with a sign of happiness crosses down to_ C. _table. She sees _BAXTER'S _bowler hat on the arm-chair below the fireplace. She fetches and carries it over to the cupboard door, knocks and hands it to him, saying, _"Your hat!")