It is a lovely April afternoon-a foretaste of summer-in Belinda's garden. Betty, a middle-aged servant, is fastening a hammock-its first appearance this year-to a tree down L. In front there is a garden-table, with a deck-chair on the right of it and a straight-backed one to the left. There are books, papers, and magazines on the table. Belinda, of whom we shall know more presently, is on the other side of the open windows which look on to the garden, talking to Betty, who crosses to R. of hammock, securing it to tree C. Belinda (from inside the house). Are you sure you're tying it up tightly enough, Betty? Betty (coming to front of hammock). Yes, ma'am; I think it's firm. Belinda. Because I'm not the fairy I used to be.