at the most exciting place. You shall have it after
_me, _Betty.

BETTY. Is that all, ma'am?

BELINDA. Yes, that really is all.

[BETTY goes into the house.]

BELINDA (reading to herself). "It is a matter of grave concern to all
serious students of social problems--" (Putting the review down in
hammock and shaking her head gently.) But not in April. (Lazily opening
the book and reading.) "Tell me where is love"--well, that's the
question, isn't it? (She puts the book down, gives a sigh of happiness,
and lazily closes her eyes. DELIA comes into the garden, from Paris.
She is decidedly a modern girl, pretty and self-possessed. Her hair
is half-way up; waiting for her birthday, perhaps. She sees her mother
suddenly, stops, and then goes on tiptoe to the head of the hammock. She
smiles and kisses her mother on the forehead. BELINDA, looking supremely
unconscious, goes on sleeping. DELIA kisses her lightly again. BELINDA
wakes up with an extraordinarily natural start, and is just about to
say, "Oh, Mr. Devenish--you mustn't!"--when she sees DELIA.) Delia!

DELIA. Well, mummy, aren't you glad to see me?

BELINDA. My darling child! (They kiss each other frantically.)

DELIA. Say you're glad.

BELINDA (sitting up). My darling, I'm absolutely--Hold the hammock while
I get out, dear; we don't want an accident. (Getting out with DELIA'S
help) They're all right when you're there, and they'll bear two tons,
but they're horrid getting in and out of. (Kissing her again) Darling,
it really _is_ you?

DELIA. Oh, it is jolly seeing you again. I believe you were asleep.

BELINDA (with dignity). Certainly not, child. I was reading "The
Nineteenth Century"--(with an air)--and after. (Earnestly) Darling,
wasn't it next Thursday you were coming back?

DELIA. No, this Thursday, silly.

BELINDA (penitently). Oh, my darling, and I was going over to Paris to
bring you home.

DELIA. I half expected you.

BELINDA. So confusing their both being called Thursday. And you were
leaving school for the very last time. If you don't forgive me, Delia, I
shall cry.

DELIA (stroking her hand fondly). Silly mother!

(BELINDA sits down in a basket chair and DELIA sits on a table next to
her.)

BELINDA. Isn't it a lovely day for April, darling! I've wanted to say
that to somebody all day, and you're the first person who's given me the
chance. Oh, I said it to Betty, but she only said, "Yes, ma'am."

DELIA. Poor mother!

BELINDA (jumpin