THE THIRTEENTH CHAIR

A Play in Three Acts

by

BAYARD VEILLER

London, Samuel French, Ltd. 

1922

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Made and Printed in Great Britain by Butler & Tanner Ltd. , Frome andLondon. 

THE THIRTEENTH CHAIR

Produced at The Duke of York's Theatre, London, on October the 16th, 1917, with the following cast of characters:--

 ROSCOE CROSBY Mr. Charles Rock WILLIAM CROSBY Mr. Lionel Belcher EDWARD WALES Mr. Yorke Stephens BRADDISH TRENT Mr. Dennis Wyndham HOWARD STANDISH Mr Vane Sutton-Vane PHILIP MASON Mr. Arthur Finn POLLOCK Mr Charles Bishop INSPECTOR DONOHUE Mr. James Carew SERGEANT DUNN Mr. Frank Harris DOOLAN Mr. Denham Charles HELEN O'NEILL Miss Hilda Bayley MRS. CROSBY Miss Dorothy Hammon MARY EASTWOOD Miss Margaret Moffat HELEN TRENT Miss Ethel Carrington ELIZABETH ERSKINE Miss Grace Darby GRACE STANDISH Miss Gladys Maude MME. ROSALIE LA GRANGE Mrs. Patrick Campbell

The scene throughout the play is the Italian Room in Roscoe Crosby'sHouse, New York. The time is evening. The second act takes place tenminutes later than the first and the third act half an hour later thanthe second. 

[Illustration]

THE THIRTEENTH CHAIR

ACT I

_The_ SCENE _is the Italian Room in_ ROSCOE CROSBY'S _Home in New York. It is a handsome room. A plan of the setting will be found at the end ofthe play. As the curtain rises_ Miss HELEN O'NEILL _and_ WILLIAM CROSBY_are discovered standing_ R. C. _They are in each other's arms, and therising curtain discloses them as they kiss. The window blinds aredrawn. _

HELEN. I love you so. 

WILLIAM. You are the most wonderful thing in all the world. 

(_She gives a little laugh and moves away from him a step right_. )

HELEN. I can't believe it. 

WILLIAM. That I love you?

HELEN. Oh, no, I'm sure of that. 

WILLIAM. If there's any doubt in your mind, I'll prove it again. 

HELEN. They'll see us. (_He takes her in his arms again and kisses her. She laughs happily. And then turning a little stands with her cheekpressed against his. _) Oh, my dear, my dear!

(MRS. CROSBY, _a fashionably dressed and extremely attractive woman, enters from door down_ L. _She closes the door. She stops for a momentand watches the lovers and then with a little laugh comes toward them. _MRS. CROSBY _is fifty-five and looks ten years younger. She has charm, beauty and kindliness. _)

MRS. CROSBY (_coming to_ C. _a step_). Don't move, you look socomfortable! (_They separate quickly. _) Well, are you happy? (_To_ R. C. )

WILLIAM. Oh, mother!

HELEN. Happy!

(MRS. CROSBY _crosses to_ HELEN, _pats her hand and stands between_WILLIAM _and_ HELEN R. C. )

WILLIAM. Shall we tell 'em all?

MRS. CROSBY. Tell them? (_She laughs_. ) What do you think they are?Blind and deaf? It's been a perfectly wonderful dinner. You were soblind to everything but each other. Oh, Billy, I thought your fatherwould have a fit. 

HELEN. I thought he had an awful cold, he was coughing terribly. 

MRS. CROSBY. Coughing? He nearly choked to keep from laughing. I toldhim I'd send him from the table if he laughed at you. 

WILLIAM. Why you never spoke to him once. 

MRS. CROSBY. Child, explain to him that wives don't have to--Oh, Iforget you haven't learned that yet. You know, Billy, I can talk to yourfather very effectively without words. 

(_Crosses to below table_ R. )

HELEN (_turning to_ MRS. CROSBY). Mrs. Crosby--

WILLIAM. Mother, Nell's all fussed up because we've got money. Shethinks you'll think--I'm--what in novels they call marrying beneath me. 

(_He and_ MRS. CROSBY _laugh_. HELEN _looks a little hurt_. )

HELEN. Well, he is. 

MRS. CROSBY. Nonsense, child, don't be silly. (_Sits down stage end oftable_. )

HELEN (_moving a step to_ MRS. CROSBY). It's not silly, Mrs. Crosby. Everyone will say it, and they'll be right. 

WILLIAM. Let's settle this thing now once and for all, then. In thefirst place it's all nonsense, and in the second it isn't true--

HELEN. Oh, yes, it is. 

MRS. CROSBY. Oh, the first row! I'll settle this one. Nelly!

WILLIAM. Now then, Nell, out with it, get it all out of your system. 

HELEN. In the first place, it's the money. 

MRS. CROSBY. Yes, but--Helen--

HELEN. Please, let me say it all. You have social position, greatwealth, charming friends, everything that makes life worth--Oh, what'sthe use? You know as well as I do the great difference between us, and--

MRS. CROSBY. My dear child, suppose we admit all that, what then?

HELEN. But don't you see--

WILLIAM (_embracing her in front of table_ R. ). You little idiot!I don't see anything but you. 

MRS. CROSBY. You love each other, that's the whole of it, children. Suppose you listen to an old woman. 

WILLIAM. Old! Huh!

MRS. CROSBY. Well, old enough. If Billy was the usual rich man's son itmight be different. There might be something in what you say. But thankGod he isn't. Mind you, I don't say he wasn't like most of them when hewas younger. I dare say he was, I know he went to supper with a chorusgirl once. 

WILLIAM. Twice. 

HELEN. What was she like?

WILLIAM. Like a chorus girl. 

MRS. CROSBY. The trouble with you, my dear, is that you've been readingnovels. When Billy's father married me, I was a school teacher, and hewas a clerk. We didn't have any money, but we were awfully in love--westill rather like each other. Now just for the sake of argument, supposewe should have acted like stern parents, what would be the use? Billy'sin business for himself, he's making his own money, he can marry when hewants to and as he wants to, and if you want my real opinion, I don'tmind confessing that I think he's pretty lucky to get you. 

WILLIAM. There!

HELEN. But you know so little about me. 

WILLIAM. Oh, rot!

MRS. CROSBY (_to_ WILLIAM). Thank you, Billy. I was trying to think ofan effective word. (_To_ HELEN. ) You've been my private secretary forover a year, and no matter how much my looks belie it, I'm not a bit ofa fool. I know a great deal about you. 

HELEN. My family--

WILLIAM (C. ). I'm not marrying your family!

HELEN. I'm afraid you are. 

WILLIAM. Oh!

HELEN. There's only mother. 

MRS. CROSBY (_rising and moving to_ HELEN'S _side in front of table_R. ). Oh, my dear, forgive me. Your mother should have been hereto-night. 

HELEN. No, my mother--Mrs. Crosby--mother doesn't go out--she'd beunhappy here, and you'd be uncomfortable if she came. You'll find hertrying sometimes, you'll think she's common. Oh, don't misunderstand me. She's the most wonderful mother in the world. And she's--

MRS. CROSBY. Suppose, my dear, that we take your mother for granted. (_She crosses to a position between_ WILLIAM _and_ HELEN. ) Take us asyou find us and we will try to be happy. 

(_Enter_ CROSBY _from door_ L. _He is a fine-looking man of about sixty, with a pleasant personality, a good deal of charm and that masterfulself-possession which sometimes marks the man of affairs. It is alwaysevident that the most delightful intimacy exists between himself and hiswife. _)

MRS. CROSBY. Well, Roscoe?

CROSBY (_moves to_ L. C. ). Welcome, my dear. (HELEN _crosses to him andhe takes her in his arms_. )

HELEN. Oh, Mr. Crosby--I--

CROSBY (_placing_ HELEN L. _of him with arm still around her, reachinghis other hand to_ WILLIAM). Bill, shake!

(_Father and son shake hands. _)

(CROSBY _looks at his wife and they laugh gently. _)

Shall I tell 'em?

MRS. CROSBY (_standing in front of table over_ R. ). I would. 

WILLIAM (R. C. ) Tell us what?

CROSBY (C. ). You did this just in time. To-morrow I was going to forbidyou to have anything more to do with this young woman. 

HELEN (L. _of_ CROSBY). You see!

WILLIAM. What for?

CROSBY. Your mother and I felt that you were pretty slow with yourlove-making--

WILLIAM. Oh, mother!

CROSBY (_continuing_). --and I knew darned well that if I interfered, you'd take the girl out and marry her. 

HELEN. Oh!

WILLIAM. You old schemer!

CROSBY (_crossing over_ R. C. _below_ MRS. CROSBY). I bet it would haveworked. 

WILLIAM (_as_ CROSBY _crosses_ R. WILLIAM _slaps him on the back_). It would. (_Crosses behind_ HELEN _to_ L. C. )

(_The door down_ L. _opens and_ EDWARD WALES _enters. _)

WALES. I came ahead of the others to tell you--

CROSBY. Why, Ned, old man, you came just in time to congratulate them. (_He points toward_ WILLIAM _and_ HELEN. )

WALES. On what? (L. C. )

MRS. CROSBY. They're going to be married: isn't it fine?

WALES. Oh!

(_There is a long pause. _)

WILLIAM. You don't congratulate us, Mr. Wales. 

WALES. No, Will, I don't. I'm not sure that I can. (_Down stage a step_. )

CROSBY. Why, Ned?

WILLIAM. I'm afraid that calls for an explanation. 

WALES. Yes, I expect that it does. 

(_There is a long pause. _)

WILLIAM. Well?

WALES. I'm sorry, but I can't explain anything until to-morrow. 

MRS. CROSBY. But really, Mr. Wales, don't you think--

WALES. I think my action is almost indefensible. I'm admitting that. ButI have very good reasons for what I am doing. (_He turns to_ CROSBY. )Roscoe, I've been your close friend for a great many years. You'vetrusted me and believed in me. I'm going to ask you to wait. After all, twenty-four hours can't make any difference, and it may save you all agreat deal of unhappiness. 

WILLIAM (_coming to_ WALES _a step_). This is intolerable. 

CROSBY. Ned, I can't understand--

WILLIAM. Father, this is my affair. 

WALES. I'm sorry. 

WILLIAM. Sorry? I should think you would be. 

HELEN. Billy, I told you what would happen. Mr. Wales, I don't know whatyou have discovered. But it's nothing of which I am ashamed, nothing. 

WILLIAM. Dear, you mustn't mind what he says. 

HELEN (_crossing in front of_ WILLIAM _and moving a few steps towards_WALES). Oh, but I do, I can't bear it. Why, my mother is the mostwonderful woman in the world. I won't have her attacked. Do you knowwhat she did? When I was ten years old she sent me away from her. I wasthe one thing she had in the world to love and she gave me up becauseshe thought--because she thought it was the best thing she could do forme. I was sent to a fine school, then to college, and then when I wasnineteen, quite by accident, I found out that she wasn't dead, as they'dalways told me, and when I went to her all she said was, "Well, my dear, I wanted to make a lady of you. "

(_Turns to_ WILLIAM C. _He takes her in his arms, then_ HELEN _movesover to_ R. _of him. _)

MRS. CROSBY (_in front of table_ R. ). I think she succeeded, my dear. 

WALES (L. C. ). Miss O'Neill, I didn't even know that you had a mother. 

WILLIAM (C. ). Then you'd better tell us now whatever your objection is. 

WALES. I can tell you nothing until to-morrow. (_He turns to_ WILLIAM. )Billy, I'd rather be shot than do what I'm doing. If I'm wrong I'll cometo you gladly and eat dirt. I'll beg this young lady's pardon, on myknees if she likes. (_Voices and laughter heard off_ L. ) Now that's allI'm going to say about it until then. (_Moves up_ L. )

(_The door_ L. _opens_. MARY EASTWOOD, HELEN TRENT, ELIZABETH ERSKINE, GRACE STANDISH, HOWARD STANDISH, PHILIP MASON _and_ BRADDISH TRENT_enter laughing and talking_. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_at_ L. C. _To crowd in doorway_). And he said whose wife?

(_All laugh_. )

WILLIAM (C. HELEN _in front of table_ R. ). Quiet, quiet, everybody. I'vegot a surprise for you. 

(_From the people at the door come laughter and buzz of conversation_. )

Nellie and I are going to be married. 

(_Girls rush_ C. _and congratulate_ HELEN. _Men and_ WILLIAM L. C. _Business ad lib. , congratulating him_. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_coming to_ WILLIAM C. ). If you hadn't been engaged toher, she could have you arrested for the way you made eyes at her atdinner, Billy. But of course, if people will marry--why--(_She turnsaway_ R. ) I hope you will be awfully happy. (_Crosses to_ MR. _and_ MRS. CROSBY _down_ R. )

MISS ERSKINE (_coming to_ WILLIAM). Isn't it beautiful? (_Moves up to_L. _of chesterfield sofa_. )

MRS. TRENT (_crossing to_ WILLIAM _and kissing him_). I'm glad, Billy, glad. 

(_Moves over to_ STANDISH, _who is down_ L. _with_ TRENT. MISS STANDISH_moves to front of table_ R. )

(WILLIAM _and_ HELEN _look around--see that no one is paying attentionto them_--WILLIAM _sneaks up to door_ R. C. , _opens it and he and_ HELEN_exit quickly_. MRS. CROSBY, MR. CROSBY _and_ MISS EASTWOOD _are infront of the table_ R. C. TRENT, STANDISH, MRS. TRENT, MASON _talkingtogether over_ L. WALES _up_ L. _Conversation ad lib. Until_ MISSEASTWOOD _speaks_. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_to_ MRS. CROSBY). Marriage is such an awful gamble. I know a girl who tried it four times. Billy, I do hope you--(_Turning to_ C. , _where_ WILLIAM _was standing_. ) Why, they are gone!

(_Laughter and buzz of conversation ad lib_. )

(Miss EASTWOOD _runs up to door_ R. C. , _opens it_--_looks indining-room--gives a scream_--_closes door quickly, comes to right endof chesterfield_. TRENT _goes to console table_ L. _of chesterfield, gets cigarette, lights it, and crosses to_ C. _back of chesterfield infront of fireplace_. STANDISH _and_ MRS. TRENT _move to table_ L. _ofchesterfield_. WALES _and_ MISS ERSKINE _sit on chesterfield facingaudience up_ C. MRS. CROSBY _is still at upper end of table_ R. CROSBY_talks with_ MISS EASTWOOD. MASON _is the_ L. _end of the chesterfieldfacing the audience_. )

(_Enter_ BUTLER _from down_ L. )

BUTLER. Mrs. Crosby, the person you sent the car for has arrived. 

(_All turn eagerly toward him_. )

WALES (_rises and moves down_ L. C. ). Can we see her now, Mrs. Crosby?

MRS. CROSBY. Certainly--Pollock, ask Madame la Grange if she will comein, please. 

BUTLER. Yes, madame. 

(_He exits and closes the door after him_. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_coming down between the large table and thechesterfield_). I'm perfectly thrilled. Do you suppose she expects to betaken seriously?

MISS ERSKINE. Of course. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_at table_ R. ). How funny! If you don't laugh at her, wecan have no end of fun. I'll guy her terribly and she'll never know it. 

MRS. CROSBY (_at table_ R. ). Oh, I wouldn't do that, Mary. She may bequite in earnest. 

MISS EASTWOOD. Oh, I can't believe that. Madame la Grange! I can see hernow. Tall, black-haired creature, regular adventuress, see if she isn't. Isn't she, Mr. Wales?

WALES (_in front of chesterfield_). She's the most remarkable woman Ihave ever known. 

(_Enter_ BUTLER _from door_ L. , _coming well on stage_). 

BUTLER. Madame la Grange. 

(_Enter_ MADAME ROSALIE LA GRANGE. _She is a woman of about fifty. Shespeaks with a marked French accent_. )

ROSALIE. Good evening everybody. (_The men all rise_. )

MRS. CROSBY. How do you do, Madame la Grange?

ROSALIE. I am well, I thank you, madame. 

MRS. CROSBY. Do come in. 

ROSALIE. Thank you, madame. (_She sees_ WALES L. C. , _and goes to him_. )Good evening, Mister Wales. It was kind of you to send the motor-car forme. 

WALES. We wanted you to be comfortable. 

ROSALIE. And I was. (_She laughs and turns to_ MRS. CROSBY R. C. ) Do youknow, madame, when the gentleman in uniform come for me, I thought atfirst it was a policeman. 

MRS. CROSBY. I hope you weren't frightened. 

(_The positions now are_: ROSALIE C. , CROSBY R. _end of chesterfield_ C. MRS. TRENT _and_ STANDISH _have moved down_ L. TRENT _comes to_ L. _ofarm-chair. _ Miss ERSKINE _seated on chesterfield up_ C. MRS. CROSBY _attable_ R. WALES L. C. _and_ MASON L. C. )

ROSALIE. Oh, no, madame. I should like to see the policeman that couldfrighten me. They are nice boys, the policemen. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_on the_ R. _side of_ ROSALIE). Mr. Wales tells us youare wonderful. 

ROSALIE. All women are. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_with a meaning glance at the others_). So you tellfortunes?

ROSALIE. No, mademoiselle, I do not. I get messages from those of usthat 'ave passed on. I do not 'old at all with the cards nor tea-leavesnor any of those tricks. 

(_All laugh_--MISS EASTWOOD _loudest_. )

Once in a while I give advice. (_She turns to_ MISS EASTWOOD. ) If I wasyou, mademoiselle, I would not meet Jimmy at the Ritz at three o'clockto-morrow. 

(_All laugh_. MISS STANDISH _crosses to chesterfield_ C. _and sits_. Miss ERSKINE _rises and crosses to table_ R. _and sits in arm-chairupper end. _ MASON _moves up and sits on up stage chesterfield_. TRENT_goes to_ L. _end of chesterfield_. MISS EASTWOOD _is in front of table_R. ROSALIE _goes to_ WALES L. C. CROSBY _seats_ MRS. CROSBY _down stageend of table_ R. , _then crosses back of_ MISS ERSKINE _to upper end oftable_. )

Well, sir, and how are you?

WALES. We're expecting great things from you to-night, Madame la Grange. 

ROSALIE. Bien! I hope you will not be disappointed. 

CROSBY (_above table_ R. , _coming_ C. _a step_). I suppose there are alot of tricks that--

ROSALIE (_interrupting him_). I suppose mine is the only trade in theworld in which there are tricks, eh, monsieur?

MISS EASTWOOD (_coming to_ ROSALIE C. ). Why shouldn't I meet Jimmy atthe Ritz to-morrow?

ROSALIE. If you do, something awful may 'appen to 'im. 

MISS EASTWOOD. What?

ROSALIE. If you keep meeting Jimmy 'e may marry you. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _moves up stage a step_. )

CROSBY (_upper end of table_ R. ). Would you mind telling me how you knowthis young lady was going to meet Jimmy at the Ritz to-morrow afternoon?

ROSALIE. She did leave 'is letter in 'er bag in the 'all, and while Iwait I 'ave read it. 

MISS EASTWOOD (C. ). How did you know it was my bag?

ROSALIE. The stuff of the bag matches the stuff of your dress. 

MRS. CROSBY (_seated below table_ R. ). Then it is all trickery?

ROSALIE. It is, madame, and it is not. I tell you, madame, most of thetime it is tricks, with even the best of us. But there 'ave been timesin my life when it was not tricks. There 'ave been things I could notunderstand myself, messages from them that 'ave passed on, madame. Thereis a power--a wonderful power--that come to us. But you never can tellwhen it is coming. And if you waited for it you would starve to death. So when it is not there we use tricks. 

MRS. CROSBY (_seated at lower end of table at_ R. ). I think Iunderstand. 

ROSALIE. Do you, madame? I thought you would. 

(_She moves to and puts her hand-bag on the table_ R. MRS. TRENT, _seated below door down_ L. , _is joined by_ WALES. MASON _is standing infront of the fireplace_. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_coming to_ R. C. ). Don't you think all this is dishonest!

ROSALIE (_in front of table_ R. , _turning to her_). What is dishonest init?

MISS EASTWOOD. Tricking a lot of poor ignorant people. 

ROSALIE. It is all in the way you look at it. A widow woman came to methis mornin' with a breaking 'eart for the man that was gone. I wentinto a trance and Laughing Eyes, my spirit control, came with a messagefrom 'im. She said 'e was in heaven with the angels, and there was nocold nor 'unger; and the streets were paved with gold, and there wasmusic and 'appiness everywhere. She told 'er he was thinking of 'erevery day and every hour and watching and waiting for the day she wouldcome to 'im. Now wasn't that worth fifty cents of any woman's money? Andthe man may be in 'ell for all I know!

TRENT (L. C. _by arm-chair_). What I can't understand is why you aretelling us all this. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _moves to the chesterfield_ C. )

MRS. TRENT (_seated over L. By door_). If we know you are fooling--

ROSALIE (_going to_ TRENT). Did not Mr. Wales tell you?

WALES (L. C. ). I've told them nothing. 

(MASON _drops down_ R. _of chesterfield_, STANDISH _down_ L. CROSBY _is_R. _end of chesterfield_ C. )

ROSALIE (C. ). Well, tell them now, if you please, sir. (_Moves to andsits upper end of table and takes off her gloves_. )

WALES (_down_ L. ). As I told you some time ago, Madame la Grange hasdone a lot of things that we can't explain---when I asked her to comehere to-night, she said she would under certain conditions. 

MASON (_between chesterfield and table_). You mean test conditions?

WALES. Not exactly. What she said was that no money should pass betweenus, and that whatever she did, she would be honest. 

MASON (_very eagerly, and moving towards_ ROSALIE). You mean that youwon't play any tricks?

ROSALIE. If I do, I will tell _you_. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_seated on chesterfield_ C. ). Of course we understand allabout spirit rappings. 

ROSALIE. You do, eh?

STANDISH (_down_ L. ). Well, rather. 

(CROSBY _sits_ R. _end of chesterfield_. )

ROSALIE. Well, well, what do you think of that?

MISS EASTWOOD. You have to be near a table or something like that and--

ROSALIE. Maybe a chair or a desk would do?

MISS EASTWOOD. And then in the dark--

ROSALIE. But of course in the dark. And you get one rap for yes and tworaps for no. (_There is a short pause_. ROSALIE _rises, comes down_ C. _and says_:) Are those spirits near?

(_All laugh_. )

STANDISH. Oh, no, don't. 

(_One rap is heard from the back of the fireplace_. )

(_Little laugh_. )

MISS EASTWOOD. But--(_Rising and coming down_ L. C. _a step_. )

MASON. Oh, please keep still--

(_They gather a little closer around_ ROSALIE. )

ROSALIE. Is it Laughing Eyes?

(_One rap is heard--still louder_. )

And you cannot talk to me in the light?

(_One rap_. )

Are you 'appy?

(MRS. TRENT _rises_. )

(_Two raps again_. )

Is there someone here you do not like?

(_One rap_. )

A gentleman?

(_Two raps_. )

Dear, dear, a lady?

(_One rap_. )

(_She points to_ MISS EASTWOOD. )

Is it that one?

(_One rap_. )

Laughing Eyes she do not like you. 

(_General laugh_. )

MASON (R. C. ). That's the most wonderful thing I ever heard. 

STANDISH (_down_ L. ). Oh, I don't think--

MASON. It couldn't be a trick. She just stood there. I watched her handsevery minute. 

(TRENT _goes to arm-chair_ L. C. )

ROSALIE. You did watch the wrong end of me. I 'ave a wooden sole in myshoe. (_She lifts her skirt and shows that she has taken one foot fromher slipper_. ) You do it with your foot. Like this. (_Laughingly_. ) Itis a trick. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _goes to_ WALES L. C. MRS. TRENT _moves up to armchair_L. C. STANDISH _up to_ L. _end of chesterfield, and then by the back ofchesterfield to_ R. C. , CROSBY C. MRS. CROSBY _is seated at table_ R. )

MASON (R. C. ). Then if we get any messages--

ROSALIE. If you get any messages? Well, sir, I am telling you the truthnow. Most of the time it is a fake. With me as with the others. Butto-night there will be no fake. I am a stranger to all of you except toMr. Wales. I do not know who live in this 'ouse. I do not know the nameof any one of you. Mr. Wales told me he wanted me to come 'ere, he saidhe would send for me. (_Moves to_ R. _end of chesterfield_. )But 'e did not tell me one word about any of you;

WALES (_down_ L. ). That is quite true. 

TRENT (_by arm-chair_ L. C. ). You haven't given her a hint of any sort?

WALES (L. ). On my word of honour. 

MASON (_above table_ R. ). Madame la Grange. 

ROSALIE. Yes, sir?

MASON. I know a man who saw Palladino lift a table just by putting herhands on it. 

(ROSALIE _points to a small console table_ R. _end of settee_--_it has alamp on it_. MISS EASTWOOD _is at the_ L. _end of chesterfield_. )

ROSALIE (_putting hand-bag on chair above table_ R. ). Will someoneplease take the lamp off that table? And will you bring it to me 'ere?

(MISS STANDISH _moves to and takes the lamp and holds it_. MASON_brings console table to_ ROSALIE _who comes down_ C. --_the wide sideof the table to audience_. ROSALIE _puts her hands on table with herthumbs under its edge and lifts the table and turns right and left_. )

You mean like that?

MASON. Yes, I suppose that was it. 

ROSALIE. In the dark you would not 'ave noticed my thumbs. 

(_All laugh_. Miss ERSKINE _is seated at the back of the table over_ R. )

But it can be done, it can be done. I do not say that I can do it in thelight, but if you want I will try. 

ALL. Oh, yes, yes, of course, please do--yes, yes!

MASON. You mean without any trickery?

ROSALIE (_getting back of console table. Turning table around--narrowside to audience_). I mean like this. 

(_She places the tips of the fingers of both hands on the_ C. _of thetable and stands rigid for a few moments. No one speaks. All watch herwith breathless interest. Slowly the table tips a little to one side, and then tips in the opposite direction. Then it slowly rises about afoot from the floor, and then drops suddenly and falls over. There isa long pause_. )

MASON (R. _of small table_). Good Lord!

WALES (L. C. , _quietly_). What did I tell you?

(_There is a long pause, all turn towards_ ROSALIE _to see what she willdo next_. MASON _takes console table back to its place to the_ R. _endof the chesterfield_. TRENT _and_ MRS. TRENT _are over_ L. STANDISH_and_ CROSBY C. )

ROSALIE (C. ). Now you all do know what I can do, but I can trick youtoo; so you will 'ave to take my word for it that I will not. I am notmaking to you any promises. I will go into the trance for you and itwill be the real trance and not a fake. My spirit does control a littlegirl named Laughing Eyes. 

CROSBY. Are you asking us to believe that the spirit of a dead child--

ROSALIE (C. ). To them that believe there is no death. Your own religionteaches you that. 

CROSBY. But not that the spirits of the dead can come back to earth. 

ROSALIE (_moves to chair upper end of table_ R. CROSBY _crosses to_ R. _end of chesterfield_). Monsieur should go and read the Bible. I am notgoing to argue with any of you. I did not come 'ere for argument. Mostof you do not believe. You are all of little faith; it is 'ard to getmessages then. Perhaps it would be best if I did go. (_Crosses to_ L. C. STANDISH _has moved to the back of table_ R. )

MRS. CROSBY (_at table_ R. ). Oh, no, please stay. 

ROSALIE (_after hesitating_). Madame, I will be glad to. 

(WILLIAM _and_ HELEN _enter_ R. C. )

TRENT (_down_ L. _of arm-chair_). And you're willing to submitto our conditions?

ROSALIE. Of course, anything in reason--I--

HELEN (_coming down_ R. C. ). Why!

(_At the sound of a new voice_ ROSALIE _turns. She gives a littlestart, and then moves quickly to_ HELEN C. )

ROSALIE. Wait! Something is coming to me. Please--not anyone to speak!

(_All laugh_. )

(_She is close to_ HELEN _and looks at her_. ) It is a message. Give meyour 'and, mademoiselle. 

(HELEN _in a good deal of confusion gives_ ROSALIE _her hand_. ROSALIE_stands and holds it. Her eyes are closed_. )

There is nothing but 'appiness coming to you. The spirits tell me youare the favourite child of fortune. 

(WILLIAM _comes down to_ R. C. )

You will 'ave wealth and prosperity and 'appiness. You will marry theman you love, and you will be 'appy all your life, (WALES _goes up_ L. TRENT _comes to_ ROSALIE _a step_. ROSALIE _turns tothe others_. )

There is something I want to tell 'er just for 'erself. She is so young, we must spare her modesty. 

(MRS. TRENT _goes up_ L. TRENT, MISS EASTWOOD, _and_ WALES _go up_ L. C. ROSALIE _brings_ HELEN _down_ L. WILLIAM _joins_ CROSBY _and_ MRS. CROSBY R. MISS ERSKINE _and_ STANDISH _are at the back of table_ R. )

(_The following lines are spoken by_ HELEN _and_ ROSALIE _in anundertone_. )

HELEN. Mother!

ROSALIE. My darling, I did not know. They just brought me here. You knowI would not 'ave come for anything in the world if I 'ad known. 

(HELEN _starts to break away_. ROSALIE _clutches her_. )

Don't tell them, dear, don't 'ave me shame you before all your wonderfulfriends. I will go in one minute--I will get away from the 'ouse thefirst minute I can. 

HELEN. But, mother, there's no shame. I'm proud--

ROSALIE. Tell them afterwards if you must tell them, but let me getaway before you do so. (_In her normal voice again_. ) Remember now, mademoiselle, all the love in the world is 'anging above you and prayingfor your 'appiness. Do not let it go for the love of 'Eaven. 

(_Buzz of conversation_. ROSALIE _turns to_ WALES L. HELEN _standslooking after her_. WILLIAM _comes to_ HELEN B. C. )

WILLIAM. What did she tell you?

HELEN. You heard most of it. I'll tell you the rest later. 

(WILLIAM _and_ HELEN _go up_ R. C. )

ROSALIE. I think I 'ad better go from 'ere. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _and_ TRENT _come down_ L. )

WALES. That's absurd. (_To the others_. ) Madame la Grange wants tocall off the seance. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_down_ L. ). I thought she might. 

(MASON _above table_ R. )

ROSALIE. Did you really, miss?

MRS. CROSBY. Oh, won't you please stay?

(WILLIAM _and_ HELEN R. C. MISS ERSKINE _above table_ R. )

ROSALIE (_coming_ C. ). I am afraid I cannot, madame. I am not feelingright. I am not just myself, madame. 

WALES (L. C. ). Really, Madame la Grange? I'm afraid under thecircumstances--

ROSALIE (_getting hand-bag from chair_). I am very sorry, but I must gofrom 'ere. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_moving_ L. _of_ ROSALIE). I think it's a shame to botherher. And I think she's quite right to go. Her sort of tricks aren't forpeople of intelligence. 

HELEN. Oh, won't you please stay? (_To_ ROSALIE _now_ C. )

ROSALIE. I must not. 

HELEN. Won't you as a great favour to me?

ROSALIE. Well, miss, since you ask it, I will stay. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _laughs. She and_ TRENT _go up_ L. CROSBY _is bychesterfield_ C. MASON _below table_ R. MRS. CROSBY _is seated at lowerend of table_. MRS. TRENT _comes to arm-chair_ L. C. _and sits_. )

MRS. CROSBY. I'm very glad. Really I'm greatly interested. 

ROSALIE (_crosses_ R. ). Thank you, madame. 

CROSBY (_coming down_ C. ). I think after what we've seen, we must askMadame la Grange to submit to certain conditions. 

ROSALIE. Anything at all, sir--anything at all. 

MASON (_down_ R. ). I agree with you. Frankly this woman impresses me. I think this test should be taken seriously. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _at the_ L. _end of the chesterfield, laughs_. )

WALES (L. C. ). Just what I was going to say. 

CROSBY (R. C. ). If you will submit to the conditions we impose, Madame laGrange, and then show us any manifestations, I will never scoff atanything again. 

ROSALIE. Scoffing is the easiest thing anybody can do. 

(CROSBY _crosses down_ R. _below table_. )

If I could stop that even in one person, it would be a good thing. Whatis it that you do want?

CROSBY. I want the window fastened. 

MASON. That's the idea. 

CROSBY (_coming in front of table_ R. ). Then we will have the doorslocked. Will that be all right?

ROSALIE. Oh, certainly all right. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_coming down_ L. C. ). At the risk of seeming unnecessarilysceptical, I'm going to suggest that we search Madame la Grange--thatis, of course, if she's willing. 

(MISS ERSKINE _and_ MISS STANDISH _are at back of table_ R. )

ROSALIE (C. ). But why not? There are no 'oles in my stockings. 

(_All laugh_. )

MASON (_down_ R. ). I suppose it's going to be difficult for you to getresults if we are all so antagonistic, Madame la Grange?

(MISS EASTWOOD _goes up_ L. C. )

ROSALIE. It is, sir, and it is not. If there is any who wants tocommunicate with any 'ere, maybe they can reach us. I do not know. I donot understand you. I showed you all the tricks; would I have done that, if I wanted to--to--fool you? Certainly I would not. Then why will younot believe that I am 'onest?

WALES (_down_ L. ). I'm sure Madame la Grange is perfectly honest. We've made certain stipulations to which she has agreed. I think we'vediscussed matters enough already. We're ready if you are, Madame laGrange. 

ROSALIE. I am ready. 

(CROSBY _looks at window fastenings_ R. )

MRS. CROSBY (_seated at table over_ R. ). Do you know, I don't believe itwill be necessary to subject Madame la Grange to being searched. I'mquite sure we can spare her that indignity. 

ROSALIE. I do not mind if you fine ladies will not be shocked at seeingmy plain lingerie. 

(WALES _moves up_ L. _General laugh_. Miss ERSKINE _joins_ WILLIAM _and_HELEN R. C. )

MRS. CROSBY (_moving to_ L. _of_ ROSALIE C. ). Come with me then, please. I'm sure we won't be shocked. (_Aside to_ ROSALIE. ) I wear that kindmyself. 

ROSALIE. Truly, madame?

(_They go to door_ L. )

MRS. CROSBY (_at door_ L. ), We shan't be long. 

ROSALIE (_at door_ L. ). Madame, would you mind if all the ladies come?Then they will all be sure I am concealing nothing. 

(_The ladies all talk together and go out_ L. WALES _closes the doordown_ L. CROSBY _comes from lack of table_ R. _to chesterfield_. )

WILLIAM (_by table_ R. ). Do you really want that window fastened?

(STANDISH _is behind the chair below the table_ R. )

WALES (L. C. CROSBY _and_ TRENT _sit on corner of chesterfield_). I don'tcare. 

MASON (_at table_ R. ). I'd like to make the test that way. I've a queerfeeling about that woman. I believe she really has power of some sort. I know it seems funny, but--well, you all saw her lift that table. I watched her carefully. There was no trick about it at all. I'm sureof it. 

CROSBY. All right then. You fasten the window. Billy, you and Brad goand get some chairs out of the dining-room. We'll need a lot. 

(WALES _walks up and down_ L. _of stage_. WILLIAM _and_ TRENT _go outdoor_ R. C. )

You put them in a circle, don't you? (_Begins to place chairs in acircle_ C. _The chair_ L. _of the fireplace is brought down and placedin front of the chesterfield_. ) What are you going to do, Wales? Ask hera lot of questions?

WALES (L. ). I'm going to try to find out who killed Spencer Lee. 

CROSBY. Still harping on the murder of Spencer Lee?

(STANDISH _places the chairs above and below the table in the circle, then the chair on the_ R. _side of the fireplace in the circle_. )

WALES. Yes. 

MASON (_over_ R. --_opening window curtains and raising window blind_). Who was Spencer Lee?

WALES. The best friend I ever had. 

(TRENT _and_ WILLIAM _enter door_ R. C. , _each carrying two chairs. Theybring them down_ R. C. _and exit_ R. C. )

STANDISH (_placing chairs_ C. _with backs to audience_). We all knew Leepretty well. And I know he was no good. 

WALES (_moving to_ L. C. , _outside the circle_). You mustn't talk likethat about him, Standish!

CROSBY (_inside the circle and coming down_ C. ). The man's dead: why notlet him rest in peace?

(STANDISH _outside of circle_ L. C. _seat_. )

STANDISH. I didn't bring up the matter, you know, and I don't want tohurt Ned's feelings, but I know that the police found a lot ofcompromising letters and rotten things of that sort. 

(WILLIAM _and_ TRENT _re-enter from_ R. C. , _each carrying two chairs. _WILLIAM _crosses and places two chairs_ R. _side of circle then goesback to close the door_. )

WALES (L. C. ). I don't care what they found, or what anyone thinks ofLee: he was my best friend, and if I can find out who killed him I'mgoing to do it. It was a damned brutal murder, stabbed in the back, poorchap, with never a chance to fight for his life. (_Moves over_ L. )

MASON (_by table_ R. ). I don't seem to remember anything about the case. 

WALES. It happened before you got back from France--no, by Jove, itdidn't either. It was a day or two after. I remember you and I had lunchtogether the day you got home and I had dinner that night with Spencer. Funny you don't remember anything about it. 

(WILLIAM _sits_ R. _in circle_. )

MASON. Well, of course, I must have seen it in the papers, but I don'tgo in much for crimes, and not knowing the man I wasn't interested. 

STANDISH (_sitting in circle_ L. C. ). It was a good deal of a sensation. The man knew a lot of nice people. Came here a good deal, didn't he, Mr. Crosby?

CROSBY (_sitting in circle up_ C. ). At one time. But after Helen marriedhe rather dropped out of it. Fact is, until Trent here appeared on thescene he was always hanging around. 

(TRENT _comes down and sits in_ R. _side of circle_. )

STANDISH. Funny they never found out who killed him. 

WALES (_standing outside of circle_, L. _side_). They may not. Theyhaven't stopped trying. 

MASON (_seated on table_ R. ). Oh, are the police still interested?

WALES. Yes, they're interested. As a matter of fact there's a reward offive thousand dollars for the discovery of the murderers. 

STANDISH. Are you sure of that?

WALES. I offered it. 

TRENT. You?

WALES. Yes. What sort of a man do you think I am? Do you expect me tosit still and let the murderers of Spencer Lee go free? Why, I'd knownthe man all his life. We were the closest friends. 

WILLIAM. But if he was the kind of a man that Standish says--

WALES. I don't give a damn what he was. He was my friend, and I'm nevergoing to rest till I find out who killed him. 

TRENT. But. 

WALES. I wouldn't care so much if they'd given the poor devil half achance for his life, but they stabbed him in the back. 

MASON. Wasn't there any indication--

WALES. There wasn't a thing to show who did it, or how it was done. Aknife-wound between the shoulder-blades and no knife ever found. Nothingstolen, nothing disturbed. The police have found out that a young womancalled to see him that afternoon, two or three hours before his body wasdiscovered. That's all that we know. 

TRENT (_with a laugh--still seated in circle_). And now you're going totry spiritualism?

WALES. Why not? (_There is a pause. _) Do any of you object?

TRENT. Certainly not. I'm rather for it. 

MASON (_rises, still on_ L. _of table_ R. ). You are doing thisseriously? This is not a joke?

WALES. Quite seriously. (_There is a pause. _) Well, why won't somebodylaugh?

CROSBY. My dear fellow, why should anyone laugh? This queer old womanmay have powers of which we know nothing at all. Personally, I haven'tmuch belief in that sort of thing, but I'm not going to laugh at it. (_Rise. _) Neither am I going to have any trickery, or if there is anyI'm going to expose it. 

WALES (_over_ L. ). That's perfectly fair. 

CROSBY. You've been at her séances, or whatever they call them, before?

WALES. Yes. 

CROSBY. In the dark?

WALES. Invariably. 

CROSBY. I may want light. (_He turns to his son. _) Billy, if I call forlights you give them to me. Don't wait for anything. Understand?

WILLIAM. Perfectly, dad. 

(WILLIAM _goes up to small table_ R. _of chesterfield. Brings table withlamp on it down to his chair and the chair next to it in the circle_. )

CROSBY (_still in circle. _) That's all right then. 

(_The door_ L. _opens_. MRS. CROSBY _enters, followed by_ MADAME LAGRANGE _and the other ladies_. WALES _moves to_ R. C. _outside circle_, STANDISH _to upper end of table_ R. , TRENT _to_ L. _side of circle_. )

MRS. CROSBY. I think it wasn't fair of us. 

ROSALIE. Oh, madame, I did not mind. 

(MRS. CROSBY _crosses back of chesterfield to up_ R. C. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_down_ L. ). I can assure you there isn't anything up hersleeve. 

ROSALIE. Well, what did you expect? Burglar's tools?

(MISS EASTWOOD _goes up to_ L. _end of chesterfield_. MRS. TRENT _closesdoor down_ L. _She and_ HELEN _move up_ L. _with_ Miss STANDISH. )

WALES (_over_ R. ). Madame la Grange, we've fastened the windows. 

(TRENT, STANDISH, ERSKINE _by console table_ L. _of chesterfield_. )

ROSALIE. That is right. You cannot be too careful, eh?

CROSBY. And now, if you don't mind, I'm going to lock the doors and keepthe keys in my pocket. 

ROSALIE. Anything you do wish, sir. It is all the same to me. 

(_Goes inside circle and sits down up_ C. _in circle_. )

MASON (R. C. ). May I see that it's done, Mr. Crosby?

CROSBY (L. C. , _with a laugh_). Can't you trust me?

MASON. It isn't that--I--well, I just want to be sure. To see for myself. 

CROSBY. Lock that one yourself, then. (_Indicating door_ R. C. MASON_goes to and locks the door_. CROSBY _goes to door_ L. C. , _locks it, takes out the key and puts it in his pocket_. ) Better try it, Mason. (MASON _crosses to door_ L. C. --_shows it is locked_. ) Now well do thisone. (_He starts to door down_ L. _Then stops suddenly_. ) No, I've got abetter way than this. My dear, will you ring for Pollock?

MRS. CROSBY (_upper end of table_ R. ). What are you going to do now?

CROSBY. Wait and see. (_To_ ROSALIE. ) You don't object to this?

ROSALIE. Oh, no, sir. 

(BUTLER _enters from door_ L. --_comes well on stage_. )

CROSBY. Oh, Pollock, I want you to put these keys in your pocket. (_Hands them to him_. POLLOCK _puts them in his waistcoat pocket_. )

POLLOCK. Yes, sir. 

CROSBY (L. C. ). Now then, I want you to take the key out of that door, and lock it on the outside, understand?

POLLOCK. Perfectly, sir. 

CROSBY. Then take the key from the lock and put that one in your pocketalso, after that you are to stand outside that door, and you are not tounlock it until I tell you to. Understand?

POLLOCK. Yes, sir, I'm to lock this door on the outside, keep the key inmy pocket, and then stay just outside, and not open it for anyone untilyou tell me. 

CROSBY. Exactly. (_General buzz of conversation. _ POLLOCK _goes to thedoor_ L. , _takes out the key and exits, closing the door after him. Thekey is heard turning in the lock. _) Now then, Mason, you'd better trythat door, too. (MASON _goes over and tries the door_ L. CROSBY _followshim. Speaking through the door_ L. ) Are you there, Pollock?

POLLOCK (_outside. _) Yes, sir. 

CROSBY. And the keys are in your pocket?

POLLOCK. Quite so, sir. 

CROSBY. Now we're ready, Madame la Grange. 

ROSALIE. Then please you will all sit in a circle and hold hands. 

MISS ERSKINE. Hold hands! I'm going to love this. 

(_All laugh. _)

MASON (_moving down to a chair on the_ L. _of the circle_). How shall wesit? I mean, do you want us in any particular order?

ROSALIE. Any way at all. 

WILLIAM. I'll sit here. (_Takes chair and sits in reach of lamp ontable_ R. C. )

ROSALIE. Any way will do. 

(HELEN _and_ MRS. TRENT _come down_ L. )

(_They all sit in a circle in the following order_: ROSALIE, C. ; CROSBYL. _of_ ROSALIE; MISS ERSKINE, MISS STANDISH, TRENT, MISS EASTWOOD;MASON; HELEN; MRS. TRENT; STANDISH _and_ MRS. CROSBY; WILLIAM _sits on_ROSALIE'S _right side. This will bring_ WALES _sitting at_ C. _with hisback to the audience_. ROSALIE _directly opposite up stage facing him. The thirteen chairs in the circle consist of two brought from thefireplace, two from the table_ R. , _eight from the room_ R. C. , _and thearmchair_ L. C. , _which is moved_ C. _and used by_ ROSALIE. _As they arebeing seated there is a general buzz of conversation as follows_:--)

MISS ERSKINE. I'm to sit next to you, Mr. Crosby. 

CROSBY. I've always wanted to hold your hand, my dear. 

MRS. CROSBY. Don't trust him, Daisy. 

MISS ERSKINE. I won't, Mrs. Crosby. 

MISS STANDISH. I'll chaperone them. 

MASON (_to_ HELEN). Will you sit by me?

TRENT. I'll take this place then. 

MISS EASTWOOD. I'm really getting quite a thrill. (ROSALIE _laughs_. )What's the joke, Madame la Grange?

(MRS. TRENT _moves outside of circle to_ R. C. , _then sits_. )

ROSALIE. I did not know anything could give to you a thrill. 

MISS EASTWOOD. You don't like me, do you, Madame la Grange?

ROSALIE. Oh, mademoiselle, I am indeed very fond of you. 

WALES (_standing below circle_ R. C. ). I think we're all ready. 

(_The others are all seated and_ WALES _is about to sit down_. )

MISS ERSKINE (_counting hurriedly_). Oh! There are thirteen of us. Don'tsit there, Mr. Wales. 

WALES. Oh, I don't mind those little superstitions. (_Sits down stageside of circle between_ HELEN _and_ MRS. TRENT. )

MRS. CROSBY. What do we do now?

ROSALIE. Now, will you please all join your 'ands, and then sit very, _very_ quiet. Do not try to think of anything. 

TRENT. By Jove, that'll be easy for me. 

(_The others laugh_. )

WALES. We can't get any results if you treat this as a joke. 

(_All laugh_. )

STANDISH. Oh, let's be serious. 

MISS ERSKINE. Why, Howard?

STANDISH. Well, there might be something in it. Anyhow, it's only fairto do what Madame la Grange wants. I suppose you'd like the lights out?I've always understood that was necessary. 

ROSALIE. We shall 'ave better results in that way. 

CROSBY. Right! (_He rises, goes to door_ L. , _and switches off light. This leaves only the two table lamps_ R. _and_ L. _of the chesterfield_C. _still lit. All other lights on scene out. Crosses back to hischair--turns out table lamp_ L. _of chesterfield. _) Billy, you turn outthat light as soon as we are ready. 

WILLIAM. Right you are, dad. 

ROSALIE. That is all, then. Now you are not to be afraid if I cry ormoan when I do go into a trance. I am not in pain or anything like that. I do not even know that I do such things, but I 'ave been told thatit sometime 'appen. My spirit control is a sweet little child namedLaughing Eyes. When she begins to talk you can ask 'er anything you dowant. If she do not answer you she do not want to talk to you. Thenwhoever it is speaking must let someone else try. That is all, ladiesand gentlemen. (_She settles back in her chair. _) Now then, sir, please to put out that light. 

(WILLIAM _turns off the light, and the stage is in darkness all butspots on ceiling. _)

CROSBY. That won't do. Billy, pull down the blind, that light on theceiling is too strong. 

(WILLIAM _turns on light, crosses_ R. , _pulls blind down and closescurtains, then resumes his seat and puts light out. _ ROSALIE _rises, crosses back of circle to the back of_ MISS EASTWOOD'S _chair. Thereis a pause. Suddenly_ MISS EASTWOOD _screams shrilly. _)

MISS EASTWOOD. There's a hand on my face. There's a hand on my face!

CROSBY. Will, the light!

(_The light on the table goes up, showing_ WILLIAM _leaning back in hischair with one hand on the switch, the other is tightly clasped in hisfather's hand. _ ROSALIE _is seen standing behind_ MISS EASTWOOD, _withher hand resting on_ MISS EASTWOOD'S _cheek. _)

(_They all start to speak. _)

MRS. TRENT. It's a trick. 

ROSALIE. Yes, it is a trick. (_They stop and stare at her. Her manner iscommanding, and a little stern. _) I was going to ask you to tie my 'andsto the arm of the chair, but I thought I would show you this first. 

MASON. I don't see how you did it--even now. 

ROSALIE (_standing outside of circle_ L. ). Things 'appen in the dark. The sense of touch is not much developed except in those who are blind. When this young gentleman did let go my 'and to turn out the light, I did take my other 'and away from Mr. Crosby and when we joined 'andsagain the two gentlemen were 'olding 'ands as comfortable as you please. And I was free. It is an old trick. All the mediums do use it. Anyonecan do it. (_She moves back to her chair and sits. _) Now, if someonewill tie me in, we will go on. 

MASON. How do we know that you can't get free even then?

ROSALIE. Tie me so that I cannot. 

CROSBY (_rising_). I'll see to that. I want something strong. 

MASON. Take handkerchiefs, they are strong enough. (_Takes handkerchief. _)

CROSBY. They'll do very well. (_Takes out his own. _) I want three more. 

WILLIAM. Here's mine. (_Hands his handkerchief to his father. _ MASON_and_ TRENT _give_ CROSBY _theirs. _)

CROSBY. Now, Madame la Grange, if you don't mind. (_He ties her hands tothe arm of the chair. _) I don't see why you did that just now. 

ROSALIE. I told you I wanted to be sure. 

CROSBY. Why?

ROSALIE. Because I think something is going to 'appen. I think therewill be manifestations. I wanted you to know I was not faking. 

MISS EASTWOOD. Why should we think that you were?

ROSALIE. Why, you 'ave thought nothing else ever since I did come intothe room. 

CROSBY. Mason, see if she can get free from that now. 

(MASON _comes over, inspects the knot. _ CROSBY _tying the other hand. _)

MASON. That seems pretty secure--someone else look at it. 

(WILLIAM _and_ TRENT _rise and go to_ ROSALIE'S _chair. _)

CROSBY. I'm going to fasten your ankles now, Madame la Grange. 

ROSALIE. Yes, that is right. 

(CROSBY _ties_ ROSALIE'S _ankles to leg of chair. The other two men lookon. _)

WALES. I don't believe all this is necessary. 

ROSALIE. Why not, if they do want it. 

CROSBY. Now I'm sure she can't get away. 

(MASON _inspects knot. _)

MASON. So am I. 

(_The men resume their places. _)

ROSALIE. Well, now, if you will all sit down, please-- (_Pause. _)You will have to reach over and take my hands this time--are you allsatisfied now? Is there anything more you want me to do? (_There is noanswer. _) Then if you will all sit quiet, just keep your minds perfectlyfree, that is all you 'ave to do. Now, sir, please to turn out the light. 

(WILLIAM _turns out the light. _)

(_There is a long pause. _ ROSALIE _moans and whispers as if in pain. _)

HELEN. I can't stand this, I--

WALES. Please keep still--she asked us to keep still. 

(ROSALIE _moans again; after a short pause, she gives a choking sob;another pause. Finally she speaks with frequent pauses, using thevoice of a little child. _)

ROSALIE. Laughing Eyes is sad, very sad. I a ma long way off--a longway. (_Pause. _) Bad people, bad people, un'appy--he is un'appy--(_Pause. _) (_Knife is set down in sight of audience, sticking in theceiling. _) Spencer wants to tell Ned-- (_She moans heavily. _) Ithurts--terrible--like a knife--it burns--burns, in the back--

(_A man's voice from the chesterfield, facing fireplace, speaks:_)

VOICE. Ned, I want Ned--why in _Hell_ doesn't Ned answer?

ROSALIE (_in child's voice_). He wants to talk to Ned--is Ned here?

STANDISH. Ned who? Who is it? Who does he want to speak to?

ROSALIE (_in child's voice_). Tell Ned it is Spencer--Spencer wantsto tell Ned about the letters and the pain in the back--in the back. 

STANDISH. What was in the back? (_There is no answer. _) Ask him what wasin the back?

ROSALIE (_still using child's voice_). The knife--Ned--he wants Ned. 

WALES. What do you want!

ROSALIE. A swimming pool--do not forget the swimming pool. Do not everforget--

WALES. You mean the time he went in after me when I was drowning? Whenwe were little boys? Is that what he wants me to remember?

ROSALIE. Spencer says he cannot rest--he wants to tell you it is hard toreach--too far away--you promised--

WALES. Promised what? When did I promise!

ROSALIE. Your life saved--

WALES. Now I know--I told him I'd do anything in the world for him. Spencer, of course, I remember--what do you want me to do?

ROSALIE. Find--find--

WALES. Do you want me to find the letters?

ROSALIE. In the back--someone came--someone came. 

WALES. You're trying to tell who killed you?

ROSALIE. Ask--ask--ask. 

WALES. You want me to ask questions? Is that it? You mean you can't talkmuch?

ROSALIE. Too far away. 

CROSBY. You know who killed you?

(_There is a pause, but no answer. _)

ROSALIE. He says Ned, he wants Ned. 

WALES. You want me to ask. 

ROSALIE. He wants Ned to ask. 

WALES. Do you know who killed you?

MRS. TRENT (_hysterically_). Oh, my God!

CROSBY. Keep still, Helen. 

WALES. Can you tell the name? (ROSALIE _suddenly gives a long moan. _)Quick, the name, the name. Spencer, tell me who killed you--she's comingout of her trance. I want the name. (ROSALIE _moans again. Her cry isovertopped by a shriek from_ WALES. ) Oh, my God! My back--oh! (_Thenthere is a dead silence that lasts as long as it will hold. _)

CROSBY. Wales, is anything the matter?

MRS. TRENT. Father, he's pulling at my hand. 

CROSBY. The light, Will. 

(WILLIAM _suddenly turns on the light at table. _ WALES _is discoveredleaning forward, the circle is unbroken. _)

MRS. TRENT. Look at him! Father! Look at him!

(CROSBY _drops_ ROSALIE'S _hand and springs forward towards_ WALES. _At the same instant_ WALES _falls forward on his face to the floor. The others all rise, chairs are knocked over in the confusion whichfollows. _)

CROSBY. Stand back, please. (_The others move back a little. _ CROSBY_leans over_ WALES. ) Why, he--why--it's impossible. 

MRS. CROSBY. Roscoe, look at your hand. 

(CROSBY _looks at his hand, takes out his handkerchief and wipes ithurriedly, then crosses suddenly to the door_ L. ROSALIE _has come outof her trance and sits staring at_ WALES _as he lies on the floor infront of her. The two figures are thrown out from the shadows of theroom by the light on the table at the back of_ MADAME LA GRANGE. _Therest of the room is in semi-darkness. _ TRENT _kneels by_ WALES' _body. _)

CROSBY. Pollock! Pollock!

POLLOCK (_outside_). Yes, sir. 

(TRENT _turns_ WALES' _body over on back. _)

CROSBY. Get on the 'phone at once and call up Police Headquarters. GetInspector Donohue if you can. Tell him to come to the house at once. 

POLLOCK. Very good, sir. 

(CROSBY _turns away from the door, and faces the others who havefollowed him over. _)

WILLIAM. Father, what do you suppose it is? Are you sure that--

MRS. TRENT. It can't be. He was talking and--

MRS. CROSBY. Roscoe, are you sure? Hadn't we better send for a doctor?

(TRENT _is leaning over_ WALES' _body on the floor. _)

TRENT. It's no use. He's dead. 

CROSBY. Murdered!

TRENT (_rises_). What?

CROSBY. Mr. Wales was stabbed in the back, just as Spencer Lee wasstabbed in the back. 

STANDISH. Just as he was asking--just when he was trying to find outwho--

(_There is a knock on the door down_ L. )

CROSBY. What is it?

POLLOCK (_outside of door_). Inspector Donohue was at the Fifty-firstStreet Station, sir. He's on his way here. (_There is a pause_). ShallI unlock the door, sir?

CROSBY. _No_--not until the Inspector tells you. 

CURTAIN. 

ACT II

_Ten minutes later. _

_Discovered:_--CROSBY _standing by the door_ L. ROSALIE _still tied inchair. Dummy supposed to represent_ WALES' _body, covered by a piece ofdrapery, has been placed on chesterfield facing fireplace up_ C. 

MRS. TRENT _seated below console table_ L. _end of chesterfield. _

MISS EASTWOOD _seated at_ R. _end of console table_ R. _of chesterfield, rattling book leaves. _

STANDISH _standing over_ R. _below table. _

MISS STANDISH _is sitting_ L. C. 

HELEN--WILLIAM--_standing above table_ R. 

MRS. CROSBY _seated_ L. _next to_ ROSALIE. MISS ERSKINE _seated next to_MRS. CROSBY, _tapping the sides of the chair with her fingers. _ MASON_in front of fireplace_ C. , _looking at_ WALES' _body. Eventually hemoves to_ MISS EASTWOOD _and takes the book away from her. _

TRENT _walking up stage_ L. _as curtain rises. All lamps alight. _

_The arrangement of the chairs for this act is detailed at the end ofthe play. _

MRS. TRENT (_rising and moving to_ CROSBY). Father, please let me go tomy room. 

CROSBY. It is impossible, my dear. 

TRENT. But, Mr. Crosby-- (_Comes down to_ CROSBY L. )

CROSBY (_interrupting him_). It's quite impossible. 

(MRS. TRENT _goes to and sits in chair up_ L. , _followed by_ TRENT, _whostands_ R. _side of her. _ WILLIAM _sits back of table_ R. HELEN _sitsabove table_ R. )

STANDISH (_below table over_ R. ). Mr. Crosby, I must--

CROSBY. Mr. Standish, I just refused to let my own daughter leave theroom. 

(_Slight pause. _)

STANDISH. But don't you see, sir--

CROSBY. My dear Standish, poor Wales was killed by someone in this room. We are all of us under suspicion. Everyone of us. (_Slight movementfrom all. _) It's an awful thing to say--but one of us in this roomhas killed Wales. Which one of us?

(_Knock on door down_ L. )

CROSBY. Yes. 

POLLOCK (_outside_). The police are here, sir. 

CROSBY. Who is it?

DONOHUE (_outside_). Inspector Donohue. 

CROSBY. Pollock, give Inspector Donohue all the keys. 

POLLOCK (_outside_). Yes, sir. 

(_There is a pause. _)

DONOHUE (_outside_). What is all this?

POLLOCK (_outside_). I don't know, I'm sure. I was told to lock thedoor. I don't know what's been going on inside. Then I was told to callyou. This is the right key for that door. 

(_The noise of the key being put into the lock can be heard, thenthe click as it is turned in the lock, then the door is opened, and_INSPECTOR DONOHUE _in plain clothes comes well on stage_ L. _He is seento be a clean-cut, intelligent-looking man of fifty. It later developsthat he is reserved and extremely quiet in manner. He speaks like agentleman and acts like one. _ SERGEANT DUNN _enters also and drops belowdoor_ L. )

DONOHUE. Where's Mr. Wales?

CROSBY (L. C. ). How did you know that Wales--

DONOHUE (L. _of_ CROSBY, _interrupting him_). I don't know anything. Iwas thinking of something else. I was told that I was wanted here in ahurry. 

CROSBY. Queer your asking for Wales. Mr. Wales is dead; that's why Isent for you. 

DONOHUE. Wales is what?

CROSBY. Wales is dead. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_still seated_ R. C. ). Yes, and if you ask me--

DONOHUE. Just a minute, please, miss. (_He turns to_ CROSBY. ) It musthave been very sudden. Why, only this afternoon I-- Did he ask you tosend for me?

CROSBY (L. C. ). Inspector, you don't seem to understand. Mr. Wales wasmurdered in this room not fifteen minutes ago. 

(_Other characters keep the same positions as when the curtain rose. _)

DONOHUE (_his manner changing abruptly_). Mike! That door! (SERGEANTDUNN _closes door_ L. _and stands in front of it. _) Where have you takenhim?

CROSBY (_pointing to the chesterfield_ C. ). There. 

(DONOHUE _goes up_ L. _end of chesterfield to_ C. _and stands lookingdown on the body. There is a long pause, and then slowly raising hishead looks with terrible deliberation at each person in the room. _ MASON_moves to_ R. _end of chesterfield. _)

DONOHUE. Who did this?

CROSBY. We don't know. 

DONOHUE (_very quietly_). Then I expect we'll have to find out. (_Hecomes down by the_ R. _end of the chesterfield and stops when he sees_ROSALIE. _He gives a short laugh as he sees how she is tied to thechair. _) What's this?

MRS. CROSBY (_rises_). Good Heavens, we forgot to untie her! I'm sosorry. 

ROSALIE. Thank you, madame. I am quite comfortable. I will stay as I amif you do not mind. 

MRS. CROSBY. But--

DONOHUE. I think we'll leave things as they are for the present. 

(MRS. CROSBY _resumes the same seat as before. _)

ROSALIE. A policeman with brains! Oh, la-la!

DONOHUE. Let's see if he can't use them then. (_Moving to _ CROSBY_down_ L. C. _and standing on his_ R. _side. _) Now, Mr. Crosby, tell meexactly what happened. 

CROSBY. I know it sounds foolish, but we were having a spiritualisticseance. Madame la Grange is a medium. 

DONOHUE. I see. 

CROSBY. We were sitting in the dark, in a circle, you know, holdinghands. Suddenly Wales cried out. I called to my son to turn on thelight. He did so. Wales was leaning forward in his chair. His hands werein those of the people he sat between, and all the rest of us weresitting around. 

DONOHUE. All of you?

CROSBY. Yes. 

DONOHUE. I thought you told your son to turn on the lights. 

CROSBY. If you're implying that--

DONOHUE. I'm not implying anything, and please answer my questions. 

WILLIAM (_rises, and stands back of table_ R. ). Inspector, I was sittingthere, and simply made a move to turn on the light. I had chosen theseat purposely. We wanted to expose trickery, if we found any. 

DONOHUE. I understand. (_He turns again to_ CROSBY. ) Go on, Mr. Crosby. 

CROSBY. In a moment poor Wales fell to the floor. I ran to him and foundthat he had been stabbed in the back. Before we could call for aid, hewas dead. 

DONOHUE. Did he say anything?

CROSBY. No. I think that he was dead before we got to him. 

DONOHUE. What happened then?

CROSBY. As soon as I realized what had happened I sent for you. 

DONOHUE. Why for _me_? Why not simply notify the police? I mean, wasthere any special reason for wanting _me_?

CROSBY. There was, but I wasn't conscious of it at the time. We'd beentalking about the killing of Spencer Lee earlier in the evening, andI suppose that subconsciously I remembered that you were handling thatcase, which brought yours as the first name to my mind. That's all. 

DONOHUE. I see. (_Going _C. _ a few steps. _) Now then, who's been in orout of this room since? Of course, you know you had no right to move Mr. Wales. 

CROSBY (L. C. ). Yes, I know, but I couldn't let him lie there on thefloor. It was a little too much. You see we were all locked in here andand--

DONOHUE. Locked in! You mean as I found you when I came?

CROSBY. Exactly. We had all of the windows fastened and all doors lockedfor the séance. Pollock had the keys, I refused to let him open the dooruntil you came. 

DONOHUE. Mr. Crosby, you are forgiven for breaking the Coroner's rules. As I understand, then, you were sitting in this room with the doors andwindows locked; you were in the dark. Wales was stabbed in the back, thelights were turned on, and no one has left the room or entered since?

CROSBY. No one but you. 

DONOHUE. I didn't kill him. (_There is a long pause, then he turnswith a sweeping gesture. _) Which one of you did? (_Slight movementfrom others. There is another long pause. No one speaks. He movesvery quietly down_ R. C. _to below table_ R. ) Now, I'm not going toemploy the usual police methods. There is to be no threatening orbadgering. But you all can see that there can be no escape for theguilty person. I realize that this is a terrible situation for all ofyou, but the only way to relieve it is for the murderer of Mr. Walesto confess. (_Another pause. _) It will save a long, and I assure you, a very trying police investigation. Let me say also that there will beno recriminations, no unpleasant scenes. I realize that this seems avery weak plea for a confession. But I am counting on the intelligenceof the people now in this room. (_He takes out his watch and holds itface upward in his hand. _) I have unlimited time, but not a greatdeal of patience. Well? (_There is another long pause. He finallyreplaces his watch with a little gesture of finality. _) Very wellthen. (_He turns suddenly to_ MISS EASTWOOD, _who is still seatedup_ R. C. ) What is your name?

MISS EASTWOOD. Mary Eastwood. 

DONOHUE. A moment ago, Miss Eastwood, you started to tell me something. You said, "If you ask me--" Now I am asking you. What was it you wantedto tell me?

MISS EASTWOOD (_seated_ R. _of console table_ R. ). I don'twant to especially. But I think I ought to tell you this. No one elseseems to have thought of it. When the séance started we were all sittingin a circle holding each others' hands. As I understand it--

DONOHUE. We can take it for granted that I know how that is done. Go on, please. 

MISS EASTWOOD. The medium got out of the circle without our knowing it, and then showed us how she did the trick. 

DONOHUE. I see. 

MISS EASTWOOD. Why couldn't she have done it again? Of course, that'swhat someone did, isn't it? And if she could get out of the circlewithout our knowing it, she could get back in again, couldn't she?

(HELEN _rises. _ MISS EASTWOOD _continues with an air of triumph. _)

_That's_ what I wanted to tell you. 

ROSALIE. If any one of you, or all of you, can get me out of this chairwithout untying me or cutting me loose, I will say that I 'ave done thatmurder. 

(HELEN _sits above table_ R. )

DONOHUE. Thank you, Miss Eastwood. It's only fair to tell you that thereisn't a trick or an effect that these people do that the police do notunderstand perfectly. 

ROSALIE. Is that so?

(DONOHUE _goes over and examines the way in which_ ROSALIE _is tiedto the chair. _)

DONOHUE. Why was she tied up?

CROSBY (_down_ L. C. ). At her own request. As Miss Eastwood says, she showed us how she broke out of the circle and then suggested that wetie her into that chair to make sure she didn't do it again. 

DONOHUE (R. _of_ ROSALIE'S _chair_). It's lucky for her that she did. Even if she had slipped out of those knots, there's no way in the worldthat she could get back in. 

ROSALIE. I did say this policeman 'ad brains. (DONOHUE _turns awayfrom her. _) Get me loose, dear Inspector. My foot 'e sleeps. 

(DONOHUE _turns back and unties handkerchiefs with which she is tied. She gets up and stands in front of arm-chair_ C. )

DONOHUE. Thank you very much, Miss Eastwood, that eliminates one. 

ROSALIE. Then I can go? (_Starting for door_ L. )

DONOHUE. You cannot. 

(ROSALIE _goes_ R. _of arm-chair and sits_ R. _end of chesterfield_ C. )

Anyone else anything they want to tell me? (_Pause. _) No? Mike, you'dbetter 'phone the Coroner and ask him to come up here. Tell him I do notwant the case reported yet. And suggest that he hurries. 

DUNN. Yes, Inspector. 

(_He turns and exits_ L. , _leaving the door open behind him. _ STANDISH_and_ TRENT _start towards door_ L. )

DONOHUE (_turning to them_). That open door does not mean freedom forany of you yet. 

TRENT (_coming to_ DONOHUE C. ). I'm awfully sorry, Inspector, but I'vean important business engagement at ten o'clock. My father-in-law herewill--

DONOHUE. That's quite impossible. 

(TRENT _goes up_ L. _again and stands_ L. _side of_ MRS. TRENT. )

STANDISH (_moving to_ L. C. ). That is all very well, Inspector, but youknow you can't keep us in this room for ever. If you want to take theconsequences of accusing me of murder, well, that's your affair. But mypatience is exhausted and I haven't the slightest intention of remaininghere much longer. Unless, of course, you are planning to arrest me. 

DONOHUE (C. ). I see. By the way, who are you?

STANDISH. Howard Standish, of Standish, Giles & Updegraff, 120 Broadway. My brother is Judge Standish of the Supreme Court. 

DONOHUE. And you refuse to remain here any longer?

STANDISH. I do. 

DONOHUE. Very well, Mr. Standish of Standish, Giles & Updegraff. You arearrested as a material witness in this case. As soon as Sergeant Dunnreturns he will call a patrol wagon and take you down to the House ofDetention. (_Turns and crosses_ R. ) Are there any others who insist onleaving this room?

STANDISH. I beg your pardon, Inspector. I acted like a fool. 

(MASON R. _of chesterfield_ C. )

DONOHUE. Not at all, sir, your actions are entirely natural. 

(STANDISH _goes up_ L. DUNN'S _voice is heard outside. _)

DUNN. Hello! Hello! No, sir. But Inspector Donohue wants you to comehere at once. We're at Mr. Roscoe Crosby's house. No, sir (DONOHUE_crosses over and closes the door_ L. ), he doesn't want the casereported yet. 

DONOHUE. We needn't be bothered with that, anyway. (_Moves back to_ R. C. _There is a pause. _) Well, I'm afraid we'll have to begin work. (_Hegoes over to table_ R. _and sits down stage end of table. Takes paperand gets pencil. _) With the exception of Mr. Crosby, who is known tonearly everyone, and Mr. Standish, who has so pleasantly introducedhimself to me, I know none of you. So I'll have to ask-- (_He stopssuddenly and rises, facing them all. He points slowly to thechesterfield, facing fireplace up_ C. ) That's rather a gruesome thingthere. I think we'll move it into another room. Will some of yougentlemen carry Mr. Wales' body into the other room. (_There is a pause. The men all hesitate. Finally_ MASON _starts to move to chesterfield. _DONOHUE _is down stage_ R. C. ) Thank you very much. We'll--

(_Coming to_ C. DUNN _enters from_ L. )

DUNN. Dr. Bernstein himself is on the way here, Inspector. 

DONOHUE. Good! Mike, get one of the servants to help you to carry thissofa into another room. 

(DUNN _turns and exits_ L. _without speaking. _)

I won't have to trouble you after all, sir. 

(MASON _drops down to console table_ R. _of chesterfield. _ DONOHUE_gives a little laugh. _)

Funny how these old superstitions cling to us. One of the first testsfor guilt invented by detectives was to ask a supposed murderer to touchthe body of his victim. (_Slight pause. _) The test didn't work verywell, did it? Certainly you four gentlemen can't all be guilty. (_Slightpause. _) Well, we'll have to try something else. (_Very impressively. _)Because, you know, I really am going to arrest the murderer of EdwardWales to-night. 

(DUNN _enters from_ L. , _followed by_ POLLOCK. )

Carry the sofa into another room, please. 

CROSBY (_down_ L. ). Into that room, please. (_Indicating door_ L. C. )

(DUNN _goes up to door_ L. C. , _turns knob--discovers door is locked. _POLLOCK _crosses to_ R. _end of chesterfield facing fireplace on whichdummy has been placed between first and second acts. Dummy is coveredwith a drapery_. )

DUNN (_at door_ L. C. ). The door is locked. 

DONOHUE (C. ). Oh, yes, try these keys. 

(DUNN _comes down_ L. C. , _gets keys, goes up and unlocks door. He and_POLLOCK _pick up chesterfield, _ POLLOCK _taking his end of chesterfieldthrough door_ L. C. _first. _)

And, Mike!

(DUNN _turns his head. _)

DUNN. Yes, sir. 

DONOHUE. Make as quick an examination as you can and report to me here. (_The men exit carrying sofa into room_ L. C. DONOHUE _crosses to chairbelow table_ R. _and sits. _ TRENT _places chair_ L. C. ) If you will allcome a little closer, please. 

(_The positions now become as follows:_--WILLIAM _back of table_ R. ;HELEN O'NEILL _seated above table;_ MISS EASTWOOD _seated below consoletable_ R. _end of chesterfield;_ ROSALIE _seated_ C. _chesterfield;_MRS. CROSBY _seated in arm-chair up_ C. ; MASON _standing upper end oftable_ R. ; MISS ERSKINE _seated up_ L. C. ; MRS. TRENT _seated in chair_L. C. ; STANDISH _standing_ L. _of_ MRS. TRENT, _and_ TRENT _seated_ L. C. ;CROSBY _down_ L. C. DONOHUE _seated lower end of table_ R. )

Now, I can see you all quite comfortably. 

(POLLOCK _enters door_ L. C. , _closes door--crosses to door_ L. _andexits, closing the door. _)

As I started to say a moment ago, I shall have to find out somethingabout each of you. You, madam? (_He turns to_ MRS. CROSBY. )

MRS. CROSBY (_seated in arm-chair_ C. ). I'm Alicia Crosby. Mrs. RoscoeCrosby. 

(_He makes notes on paper in front of him. _)

DONOHUE. I'm sorry to trouble you, Miss--(_He points his pencil at_ MISSERSKINE, _seated_ L. C. )

MISS ERSKINE. Elizabeth Erskine. I'm--

DONOHUE. It's not necessary to tell your age. 

MISS ERSKINE. I wasn't going to. I'm the daughter of Edward Erskine, myfather is the banker. 

DONOHUE. I know him. Thank you. You are then merely a guest here?

MISS ERSKINE. A friend. 

DONOHUE. Miss Eastwood, I already know. And you, miss?

MISS STANDISH. Grace Standish. 

STANDISH. My sister. 

DONOHUE. Oh! And this young lady?

CROSBY (_puts his hand on_ MRS. TRENT'S _shoulder_ L. C. ). My daughter, Mrs. Trent. She and Trent here live with us. 

DONOHUE. And you, sir?

MASON (_there is a pause_). Philip Mason. (_At upper end of table_ R. )

DONOHUE. That doesn't tell me very much. 

MASON (_with a laugh_). There isn't very much to tell. I'm just a friendof the family. We've known, each other for years. I've lived in Parisfor the last two or three years. I'm a painter. 

DONOHUE. You mean an artist?

MASON. Well, I don't paint houses or fences, but I'd hardly call myselfan artist--yet. 

DONOHUE. Poor, I suppose? I know you'll pardon that question, won't you?

MASON. Quite all right, I assure you. No, I'm not poor. 

DONOHUE. Thank you. (_Turns toward_ WILLIAM, _who is standing back of_HELEN'S _chair above table_ R. ) And you?

WILLIAM. I'm young Crosby. 

DONOHUE. I see. Live here, I suppose?

WILLIAM. Certainly, where else should I live?

DONOHUE. I thought perhaps you might be married. 

CROSBY (L. C. ). He's not, but if he were he'd live with us and--

WILLIAM. No, father. When I marry I've got to have my own home and--

CROSBY. Nonsense. Don't talk like a fool. You'd live here with me andyour mother--and your wife, of course. 

DONOHUE. I think perhaps we'd better defer that discussion, gentlemen. (_He turns toward_ HELEN. ) And this young lady?

WILLIAM. My fiancée, Miss O'Neill. 

DONOHUE. Well, that finishes that. (_Rises, standing below table_ R. )

MISS EASTWOOD. But, Inspector, you haven't asked anything about the medium?

DONOHUE. Perhaps I don't consider that necessary, Miss Eastwood. 

MISS EASTWOOD. But--

DONOHUE. And I'm terribly set on conducting this investigation in my ownway, if you don't mind. 

(_Enter_ DUNN _from_ L. C. )

DUNN. Inspector!

DONOHUE. Well?

DUNN (_at door_ L. C. ). I can't tell for sure, but I guess the knife wentclean into the heart. He must have died instantly. 

DONOHUE. All right. Let me know when the Coroner arrives. (DUNN _startstoward door down_ L. ) And, Dunn!

DUNN. Yes, sir. 

DONOHUE (_going_ C. ). You'd better let me have a look at that knife. 

(DUNN _turns sharply and looks at him. _)

DUNN (_down_ L. ). The knife?

DONOHUE. Yes, the knife. 

DUNN. I haven't seen any knife. I thought you had it. 

DONOHUE. No. I haven't seen it. (_There is a long pause. _ DONOHUE _is_R. _of_ CROSBY. ) Mr. Crosby?

CROSBY (_still_ L. C. ). We didn't find it. 

DONOHUE. Look carefully?

CROSBY. Everywhere. While we were waiting for you. 

DONOHUE. Who moved Mr. Wales' body?

CROSBY. I did. 

DONOHUE. No one else touched him?

CROSBY. No one. 

DONOHUE. What did you do, after you had carried him to the sofa?

CROSBY. I saw that he had been stabbed. I looked for the knife. 

DONOHUE. Where?

CROSBY. On the floor, under the stairs, everywhere I could think of. 

DONOHUE. No trace of it?

CROSBY. None. 

DONOHUE. What did you do then?

CROSBY. Nothing. I waited for you. 

DONOHUE. How long after you found that Mr. Wales was killed did you turnon the lights?

CROSBY. Why, I told you; we turned on the light before we found what hadhappened. 

DONOHUE. Would it have been possible for the murderer to have hidden itabout the room?

CROSBY. I doubt it very much. 

DONOHUE. Why?

CROSBY. I don't think there would have been time. I don't see how anyonecould have done it at all. It's all a mystery to me. I told you thecircle was intact. You remember?

(_There is a pause. _)

DONOHUE. Yes, I remember. Then if the knife was hidden, it's probably onthe person of the man or woman who used it. 

CROSBY. I think so, undoubtedly. 

DONOHUE. Mike, 'phone over to the station house and have them send amatron over here. 

(DUNN _exits_ L. , _and closes the door after him. _)

Now about that light. There was just one lamp turned on as I remember. 

CROSBY. Someone turned on the rest of the lights, almost immediately. 

DONOHUE. Could the knife have been hidden about the room, since that time?

CROSBY. It's extremely unlikely. We have all been here together. A thingof that sort would have been seen. 

DONOHUE. Then I expect we'll find it without much trouble. (_There isa pause, as he looks slowly at each person individually in the room. _WILLIAM _puts arm on_ HELEN'S _shoulders as_ DONOHUE _looks at him. _)In the meantime, I think we'll let it remain where it is. (_Crossesdown_ R. _He turns with a gesture which takes them all in. _) You seehow inevitably the guilty person must be discovered. Don't you think itwould be much simpler to confess? (_Pause. _) No? Then I suppose we willhave to continue. (_Crosses up_ L. , _takes a chair and places it_ L. _side of circle, then he takes the chair down_ L. _and places that inlower left-hand side of circle. _ CROSBY _moves to_ C. ) I'd like tovisualize the scene a little more clearly. (TRENT _places chair_ L. _side of circle. _) Let's form that circle again--(_Turns two singlechairs down_ C. _around with backs to audience. Crosses and gets chairin front of table and places it in lower right-hand side of circle. _MRS. CROSBY, MISS ERSKINE, MRS. TRENT, TRENT _and_ MISS STANDISH _riseand move to the_ L. _of the circle. _) Of course this time without Mr. Wales. (MISS EASTWOOD _rises and stands at_ R. _end of chesterfield. During these last few speeches of_ DONOHUE, TRENT _and_ CROSBY _haveplaced the remainder of chairs in the circle. _) All sit as you weresitting at the séance. 

(_There is a general movement_. STANDISH _crosses_ R. _to above table_R. _The minute this suggestion is made_ ROSALIE _comes down, nearer to_DONOHUE, _and looks at him anxiously. Something in his suggestiongreatly disturbs her_. )

CROSBY (_in upper_ L. _side of circle_). Will, you were there by thelamp, and Madame la Grange was next to you, and I was next to her--

DONOHUE. Then how did they sit? (_Down_ R. )

CROSBY (_next to_ ROSALIE, L. C. ). I'm trying to remember. It's queerwhat a jumbled memory one has. If anyone had asked me about it I wouldhave said I could have told how we were sitting with great accuracy. ButI can't somehow. 

MISS ERSKINE. I was next to you, Mr. Crosby. (_Upper_ L. _side ofcircle. She turns to_ MRS. CROSBY, _who is standing over_ L. ) Don't youremember, Mrs. Crosby, he said he'd always wanted to hold my hand, andwe joked about it. (_Sits in her original chair_. )

MRS. CROSBY (L. , _outside of circle_). Yes. I remember. 

DONOHUE. That's all right, then. Who came next?

(_Down_ R. _They all hesitate_. )

ROSALIE (_eagerly_). Inspector, I can place them all for you. 

MASON (_over end of table_ R. ). But you said you didn't care how we sat. 

(HELEN R. C. _in circle_. )

ROSALIE. So I did, sir, but I knew where you were sitting all the same. You will permit that I show you, Inspector?

DONOHUE (_after a pause_). If you will be so kind. 

(MISS STANDISH _sits in circle_. )

ROSALIE. The young lady was 'ere. And this gentleman 'e was 'ere. (_Indicating_ TRENT'S _chair_. )

TRENT (_from_ L. , _outside of circle_). By George, I couldn't have toldyou, but she's right. This is exactly where I was sitting. (_Sits incircle_. )

ROSALIE (_taking_ HELEN _hastily by the shoulder and putting her in thenext seat_). And this young lady was 'ere. (HELEN _looks at her for amoment and then sinks back in her chair_. ROSALIE _points at_ MASON. ) Hedid come next. 

MASON (_over_ R. ). No, you're wrong there--I--You're right--I rememberperfectly I was next to Miss O'Neill. (_Crosses_ L. _and sits_ L. _sideof circle_. ) I know just how her hand felt in the dark. 

(WILLIAM _looks at him quickly_. HELEN _turns and looks at him inwonder_. )

HELEN (_seated_ L. _side in circle_). Well really, Mr. Mason!

MASON. Oh, I don't mean it that way at all. I assure you I don't. 

WILLIAM. Then why did you say it? (_Seated_ R. C. )

MASON. My dear fellow, I've apologized. You are misunderstanding me. 

MRS. CROSBY. I think we're all very much upset. (L. _outside circle. _)Inspector Donohue, must we go through all this again?

DONOHUE. I'm afraid so, Mrs. Crosby. 

CROSBY. Then let's get it over as quickly as possible. (_Sits_ C. _inhis original chair in circle. _)

DONOHUE. Mr. Crosby, you seem to forget that this is a policeinvestigation, and must be conducted as I see fit. Who sat next to Mr. Mason?

ROSALIE (_pointing to_ MISS EASTWOOD). This young lady. 

MISS EASTWOOD. I was next to Mr. Mason, wasn't I, Philip?

(_Crossing inside of circle, to chair lower_ L. _side of circle, andsits. _)

MASON. Yes. 

DONOHUE. Now then, who occupied this seat?

MRS. TRENT (L. C. _outside of circle_). Mr. Wales. I know because I sat_there_, and I was _next_ to him. Shall I sit there now?

DONOHUE. If you will be so good. 

(MRS. TRENT _crosses to_ R. _and sits in circle. _)

STANDISH (_upper end of table_ R. ). I was next to Mrs. Trent. (_He sits. _)

MRS. CROSBY. And I was here between Mr. Standish and Billy. 

(_She sits. _ DONOHUE _moves off a step down_ R. _and standslooking at them as they sit. _ ROSALIE _moves over and takes herplace in armchair. _)

DONOHUE. You are all sure that's where you were sitting?

MISS EASTWOOD. There's some mix up here, I know. (ROSALIE _rises_. )I wasn't next to Mr. Wales. 

HELEN (_rises_). Of course you weren't. I don't see what I could havebeen thinking of. _I_ sat where Miss Eastwood is. 

MISS EASTWOOD. Yes, and I was next to Mr. Trent, between Philip and Mr. Trent. I felt sure I was in the wrong seat. (_Rises. _)

DONOHUE (_quite casually_). Then perhaps you ladies will exchangeplaces. 

(ROSALIE _gives a little sigh of relief when she sees that_ DONOHUE_attaches no importance to the substitution she has made, and sits downagain. _ HELEN _and_ Miss EASTWOOD, _change seats. _ HELEN _crossesoutside of circle. _)

Now we're all right, aren't we? (_Slight buzz of conversation. _) You arequite sure that you are all in the places you occupied during theséance?

CROSBY. Yes. I think so. 

DONOHUE (_puts his hand on the empty chair_). We'll pretend thatMr. Wales is still sitting here. (_Slight movement from all. _) Now, Mr. Crosby, I'll ask you to tell me what happened after the séance began. But first I'll ask you this question, was there any special arrangementabout the seats?

ROSALIE (_hurriedly rising_). There was not, sir. I told them that theycould sit anywhere they did wish. Young Mr. Crosby must 'ave sat by thelight on purpose. And I am so sorry I did make the mistake about theyoung ladies. I do not know 'ow I came to make a mistake like that. 

DONOHUE. Oh, well, if they couldn't remember where they sat, I don'tsee how I can expect you to be entirely accurate. (ROSALIE _sits inarm-chair up_ C. ) However, we're all right now. Now, Mr. Crosby. 

CROSBY. Well, after Madame la Grange had shown how she broke out of--

DONOHUE. We'll start with the séance. (_All look at_ DONOHUE. ) I knowhow mediums break the circle and all that. And you needn't describe howshe went into that trance of hers. 

MASON. Inspector, I don't think you're fair to this woman. I thinkthere's something pretty important that you haven't been told. 

(_All look at_ MASON. )

DONOHUE. Then you'd better tell me now. 

MASON. In order that there should be no deception, we had Madame laGrange searched. 

DONOHUE. I see. 

MASON. And while she was out of the room--

DONOHUE. Oh, she left the room?

(_All look at_ DONOHUE. )

MASON. Yes, and all of the ladies went with her. Then someone suggestedthat we ask Madame la Grange about some special thing, and Mr. Walessaid he was going to ask her to get in communication with Spencer Leeand see if we couldn't find out who killed him--

STANDISH. Most ridiculous thing--

MASON. As soon as she went into her trance, or whatever it was, SpencerLee's spirit tried to talk to us. 

DONOHUE. She began to give you messages from Spencer Lee without knowingthat this was what you were trying to get?

MASON (_in triumph_). Exactly. And there's no use in trying to tellme that there's nothing in spiritualism, because now I know better. 

DONOHUE. Thank you very much, Mr. Mason. What you've told me isextremely important. I'm anxious to know what was said, because I'm agood deal interested in the Spencer Lee case myself. 

(MRS. TRENT _turns and faces door, still sitting in her chair_. )

MASON. Then you think there's something in this spiritualism. I neverdid until to-day, but, by Jove, you know you can't explain this anyother way. 

DONOHUE. Madame la Grange went into a trance. We'll grant that much, anyway. What happened then?

CROSBY. After a few minutes she began talking to us in the voice of alittle child. 

ROSALIE. That was Laughing Eyes, my spirit control. 

DONOHUE. Just what did Laughing Eyes say?

CROSBY. It was all mixed up; none of it very clear. But she seemed to betrying to talk _for_ someone _to_ someone. She kept calling for Ned. Then suddenly she spoke deeply, in a man's voice. 

DONOHUE. Did the man's message have any importance? I mean, did it seemto make sense?

CROSBY. It was perfectly coherent at any rate. I can't give you theexact words, but--

MASON (_interrupting_). I can. He said, "Ned--I want Ned. Why in _Hell_don't Ned answer me?"

DONOHUE (_standing at lower end of table_ B. ). And did anyone answer?

CROSBY. Eventually Wales replied. 

DONOHUE. I want you all to be extremely careful in what you tell me. Idon't want any surmises. In the first place, did the message come foranyone but Mr. Wales?

CROSBY. There was at no time mention of Wales' name. The calls werealways for "Ned. "

DONOHUE. I see. Did anyone else answer the calls?

STANDISH. _I_ asked two or three questions, but no attention was paid tothem. 

DONOHUE. What did Mr. Wales say to all this?

CROSBY. I don't think Mr. Wales spoke at all until the message aboutsaving his life came. 

DONOHUE. And after that?

MISS EASTWOOD. There was a regular conversation between them. 

CROSBY. Then there was some mention about some letters. I remember, too, that Mr. Wales said, "Are you trying to tell me who killed you?"

DONOHUE. What was the reply to that?

MRS. CROSBY. All we got were the words, "Ask--ask--ask. "

CROSBY. And then I said, "Do you know who killed you?"

DONOHUE. Did you get an answer?

CROSBY. Not directly. The message was another cry for "Ned. "

DONOHUE. What happened then?

CROSBY. Then Mr. Wales said, "Do you know who killed you?"

DONOHUE (_eagerly_). What answer did he get?

CROSBY. None. The medium began to moan and cry. Then Mr. Wales asked heragain and again for the name. He kept crying, "Tell me who killed you; Iwant the name. " He must have asked her two or three times. Then he criedout that he was hurt. 

DONOHUE. And then?

CROSBY. That's all. 

(_Enter_ DUNN _from door_ L. )

DUNN. The matron is here now, sir. 

DONOHUE. Just a minute. Just one more question, Mr. Crosby. Did you getthe impression that if Mr. Wales had not been killed his question wouldhave been answered?

CROSBY. If you grant that the séance was real, it would be impossible toarrive at any other conclusion. 

DONOHUE. It was well established in your mind that Wales was the onlyperson able to get a message?

CROSBY. Yes. 

DONOHUE. It follows then that he was killed in order to prevent hisquestion being answered. 

CROSBY. That's the impression I got. 

DONOHUE. This leads to the conclusion that whoever killed Wales knew whohad killed Spencer Lee. 

CROSBY. I should think so. 

DONOHUE (_front of table_ R. ). And it is not difficult to surmisethat the person who killed Wales was actuated by the strongest of allmotives--self-protection. So in all human probability the murdererof Wales was also the murderer of Spencer Lee. You see, ladies andgentlemen, that by the use of a little patience we have come a long wayin our investigation. (_There is a long pause. _) I don't wish to putyou all through the humiliation of a search. I should like to end thisinquiry here and now. (_Moves a step_ R. _There is another pause_. ) No?Then we'll have to go on. (_Moves briskly to below table_ R. ) There is apolice matron in the other room who will search the ladies of the party. Sergeant Dunn will perform a similar duty with the men. Mike, you willtake them one at a time. It makes no difference to me in what orderthey go. 

MASON. Well, I've got nothing to conceal. (_He rises and places chairup_ L. , _then moves to door_ L. )

ROSALIE. Neither 'ave I. (_She rises and moves down_ C. )

DONOHUE. I'd rather you waited for a few minutes, Madame la Grange. (ROSALIE _looks at him sharply_. ) Any of the other ladies will do. 

MRS. CROSBY (_rising_). Suppose I set the others a good example. 

DONOHUE. Thank you very much. (MRS. CROSBY _comes down_ C. , _thencrosses to door_ L. DONOHUE _looks at the others, where they are stillseated_. ) And thank you all for the great help you've given me. You neednot sit there any longer, unless you wish. 

(MISS STANDISH _crosses_ R. _to back of table_ R. MRS. CROSBY, MASON, _and_ SERGEANT DUNN _go out_ L. DUNN _closes the door_. HELEN _goes up_C. TRENT _moves one chair up to_ L. _of door_ L. C. , _then one chair to_R. _of door_ L. C. , _right back of chesterfield_ C. MISS ERSKINE _crossesto back of table_ R. MRS. TRENT _seated_ R. C. WILLIAM _in front ofchesterfield_ C. )

MISS EASTWOOD (_crossing to_ DONOHUE R. ). Inspector, I think you'reperfectly wonderful. 

DONOHUE. Oh, we haven't done very much yet, Miss Eastwood. Give thepolice a little time. (_He turns and crosses to_ L. C. _With an abruptchange of tone_. ) Madame la Grange, there's a question I wish to askyou. 

ROSALIE (_coming down to_ L. C. ). Anything at all, sir. 

DONOHUE (L. C. ). When Mr. Wales asked you for the name, why didn't youanswer him?

ROSALIE. I do not know. I was in a trance. (_She moves down_ L. ). 

DONOHUE. Then you didn't hear the question. 

ROSALIE. How could I?

DONOHUE. I didn't ask you that. I want to know why you didn't answerhim. 

ROSALIE. I 'ave already told you, I was in a trance. I did not know whatwas going on. 

DONOHUE. Why didn't you tell the name that you had agreed with Wales youwould tell?

ROSALIE (L. C. , _astonished_). Agreed?

DONOHUE. You heard what I said. (_There is a pause. _) Well, why didn'tyou carry out your part of the bargain? (CROSBY _moves to front ofchesterfield_ C. ) Why didn't you give him the name as you'd planned?

ROSALIE. I do not know what you do mean. 

DONOHUE. My words are perfectly plain. I asked you why you didn't carryout your part of the bargain?

ROSALIE. There was not any bargain?

DONOHUE. Your whole séance was a fake. (_Slight movement from others. _)It was not only planned but rehearsed between you and Wales. He thoughtthat a woman had killed his friend. He told you about it, and asked yourhelp to discover the murderer, ROSALIE. I do not know what you talk about. 

DONOHUE (_ignoring her reply_). Every detail of this séance was planned. When he asked you the name you were to tell him the name of a woman--

(MRS. TRENT _moves up_ R. _and joins_ TRENT _and_ MISS ERSKINE _attable_ R. )

ROSALIE. Inspector, I 'ave never 'eard one word of this before, DONOHUE. Not a word?

ROSALIE. Not a word. 

DONOHUE (L. C. , _taking paper out of the inside pocket of his coat_, _and reading aloud_). "What do you want? Answer. Don't forget theswimming pool. Don't ever forget the swimming pool. Do you mean thetime he went in after me? When we were little boys. Spencer Lee says hecan't rest. " And so on and so on, down to. "Do you know who killed you?"(_He turns to the others. _) The answer to that should have been "Yes. "What did she say?

CROSBY (_now in front of table_ R. ). She didn't answer that question. 

DONOHUE (_looks at paper again_ L. C. ). The next question is, "Can youtell the name?" And then she was to have told that woman's name. Justthe first name. Mrs. Crosby, what did she reply to that question?

CROSBY. She moaned and cried. 

DONOHUE. What did she say after that?

CROSBY. Nothing. She moaned again and came out of the so-called trance. 

DONOHUE. Why didn't you do as you agreed?

ROSALIE (_down_ L. C. , _left side of_ DONOHUE. _Stonily_). I do not know what you talk about. 

DONOHUE. The police know that some woman killed Spencer Lee. Somethingwas taken from the inside pocket of his coat. We think it was a packageof letters. This woman left traces. We have her finger-prints--many ofthem. Eventually we'll find her. For three or four weeks Mr. Wales hasbeen working among the people who knew Lee. His theory was that thiswoman wanted to get back her letters--in fact, did get them back. Hefelt reasonably sure that he had found the woman--that one of you ladieshere to-night is probably the woman we are hunting. He thought that hecould play on her superstitious fears, and that when her name seeminglycame from the spirit of the dead man she would confess. He told Madamela Grange the name, explained to her just what he wanted, and togetherhe and I worked out the exact wording of the messages that were supposedto come from Spencer Lee's spirit. (_He turns suddenly to_ ROSALIE, _who is down_ L. C. ) You agreed to all this; why didn't you speakthe name?

ROSALIE. I do not know anything about it. He--he must 'ave forgotten totell it to me. 

DONOHUE. Oh, no, he didn't. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _down in front of table_ R. )

ROSALIE (_with great decision_). There was no name. He did not tellto me any name. 

DONOHUE. My good woman, you mustn't take me for a fool. You agreed touse a certain name; you came here for that purpose, and then after yougot here, something happened to make you change your plans. Somethingunexpected happened. (_He stops for a moment; turns to_ MISS EASTWOOD. )Miss Eastwood, what did you say was your first name?

MISS EASTWOOD. Mary. 

DONOHUE (_to_ MISS ERSKINE). And yours?

MISS ERSKINE (_back of table_ R. ). Elizabeth. 

DONOHUE. Yours?

MISS STANDISH. Grace. 

DONOHUE. Mr. Crosby, your wife's name is?

CROSBY. Alicia. 

DONOHUE. Mrs. Trent?

MRS. TRENT (R. C. ). Helen. 

DONOHUE, Miss O'Neill?

HELEN (_up_ C. , _in front of chesterfield_). Helen. 

(_There is a long pause_. )

DONOHUE (L. C. WILLIAM _comes to_ HELEN C. ). Helen, I see. So there aretwo Helens. Two Helens. (_He stands looking first at one and then at theother of the two women. _) Mr. Crosby, when Madame la Grange first cameto-night, did she show any surprise at seeing any of the people here?

CROSBY (R. C. ). Not that I noticed. 

MISS EASTWOOD (_below table_ R. ). Oh, yes, she did. Miss O'Neill wasn'tin the room when she arrived. Later when she came in Madame la Grangeseemed upset; she said something to her that none of us could hear. ThenI remember she argued with Mr. Wales and said she didn't feel likehaving a séance. 

DONOHUE. Now we're getting it. 

(WILLIAM _stands_ R. _of_ HELEN O'NEILL _up_ C. )

Everything was going along smoothly, until Miss O'Neill came in. Theextra Helen. (_He turns to_ CROSBY. ) Mr. Crosby, your daughter was inthe room when Madame la Grange came in?

CROSBY. Yes. 

DONOHUE. You noticed nothing unusual in this woman's manner?

CROSBY. I'd never seen her before. 

DONOHUE. I mean, she did nothing to attract your attention; the factthat Helen Trent was in the room made no impression on her?

CROSBY. Seemingly not. 

DONOHUE. Then Helen O'Neill came in. (_Goes up to_ HELEN C. , _thencrosses down to_ ROSALIE L. _Sharply to her_. ) Rosalie la Grange, what'sthat girl to you?

ROSALIE. Nothing at all. 

DONOHUE (C. ). Nothing at all! Then why did you try to deceive me as towhere she sat. Why did you place her so that I would not know she wassitting next to Mr. Wales when he was stabbed?

ROSALIE. It was just my mistake. I did not do it on purpose. 

DONOHUE. I'm afraid that won't do. It's perfectly apparent that the nameyou were to speak was--Helen, What's the use of lying to me! You'vetried your best to shield this girl. I want to know why. 

ROSALIE. There's no reason. I never saw the young lady before in all mylife. 

DONOHUE. What's that girl to you?

ROSALIE. Nothing, nothing at all--

DONOHUE (_starts to_ ROSALIE). _Damn you_, you old harridan, you comeacross--

HELEN (_springing forward from up_ R. C. _down to_ L. C. _and pushing_DONOHUE _up stage_). Let my mother alone, let my mother alone. 

(_She goes to_ ROSALIE, _puts her arms around her. Pause. _ ROSALIE_weeps_. )

DONOHUE (_very quietly_). I thought perhaps I'd get it that way. 

HELEN (_getting_ L. _side of_ ROSALIE). There, there, dear, it's allright, it's all right. 

DONOHUE (_with a grim smile, coming down_ C. ). Of course it's all right!We've got the finger-prints and--

WILLIAM (_interrupting him--coming down to_ C. ). If you think for oneminute I'm going to let you--

CROSBY. My boy, wait! (_grabbing him and pinning down his arms to hissides_ C. ). Think what--

WILLIAM. Think nothing. (_He shakes himself free and goes to_ DONOHUEL. C. ) That's the girl I love, and I'll be _damned_ if I let you take herfinger-prints. 

DONOHUE. Young man, don't be a fool. I'm sorry, but it's too clear. 

ROSALIE (_breaking away from her daughter and moving to_ DONOHUEC. ). Clear--how is it too clear? Inspector, you are never going toaccuse my little girl of a thing like that?

DONOHUE (C. ). She was next to him; she had only to free one hand andstrike, and then take his hand again!

ROSALIE. There was something else she had to do before she could ever dothat. She had to have murder in her heart. 

DONOHUE. Well?

ROSALIE (_turns suddenly; seizes her daughter by the hand, turns her tohim. _ ROSALIE _stays between_ DONOHUE _and_ HELEN). Look at 'er. Look in'er eyes--look at the face of 'er. Is there murder there? 'Ave you noteyes in your 'ead. 

(DUNN _enters from_ L. )

DUNN. It's not on either of them. 

DONOHUE. I know where it is. Tell the matron she'll find the knife onthis girl. 

ROSALIE (_to_ DONOHUE C. ). Inspector, I will tell to you anything Iknow, only keep your hands off my little girl. I did come 'ere like yousay, and when I see my little girl I lose my 'ead. I tried to save 'erand I 'ave made it worse. You 'ave looked at 'er, the poor young thingthat would not 'arm a fly, and you think she could do a thing like that. 

DONOHUE. Yes. 

ROSALIE (_still crying bitterly_). Then, Inspector Donohue, you area damn fool, and with God's 'elp I will prove it. 

CURTAIN. 

ACT III

_The same_ SCENE _half an hour later_. 

ROSALIE _is discovered by table_ R. 

ROSALIE. Father in 'Eaven, help me. My little girl is in terribletrouble and there is not anyone to 'elp 'er but me. She is a goodgirl--you know all things, you know she is a good girl. Show me the way. I 'ave been a fakir all my life. I 'ave tricked them and fooled them, but I 'ave never meant to 'arm a soul, I 'ave never done 'arm to anyperson. And there is a power. It 'as come to me before, a power thatI could not understand. I felt it, and I showed it. Oh God, give it tome again. Do this for my little girl, for the sake of your Son. Amen. 

(_Turns and goes up stage and then to the window at_ R. _She pulls upthe blind and raises the window. The light comes up from the street lamp, throwing out her figure in strong silhouette, and showing a square patchof light on the ceiling. In the_ C. _of this patch, sticking point up inthe heavy wooden panelling, can be seen the knife_. ROSALIE _stands fora few moments looking out at the night_. DONOHUE _enters down_ L. _Heturns on the lights from the switch below the door down_ L. )

DONOHUE (_crosses to_ L. C. ). Who turned off the lights?

ROSALIE (_at window_ R. ). I did, sir. 

DONOHUE. Why?

ROSALIE. I was praying. (_Coming to above table_ R. )

DONOHUE. Praying? What for?

ROSALIE. Guidance. 

DONOHUE (_with a laugh_). I hope you get it. 

ROSALIE (_with conviction_). I will, sir, I will. (_She starts towardthe door_ L. ) I will join the others now. 

DONOHUE. I think'd you better wait. (_Calls off_ L. ) Mike!

(ROSALIE _is_ C. DUNN _enters from_ L. )

DUNN. Yes, Inspector. 

DONOHUE. Did Madame la Grange see you as she came in here?

DUNN (_down_ L. ). No, sir. I followed your instructions and kept out ofsight. 

DONOHUE (L. C. ). How long has she been here?

DUNN. About ten minutes. 

DONOHUE. Time enough for her to find what we couldn't. 

DUNN. I'll bet she's got it. 

DONOHUE. Take her to Mrs. MacPherson. She's not to go near anyone orspeak to anyone. Tell Mrs. Mac to search her. (_He turns to_ ROSALIE, _who is_ C. ) Unless, of course, you want to give up that knife now. 

ROSALIE. I 'ave not any knife, and I 'ave been searched once. 

DONOHUE (L. C. ). Exactly, and then you were allowed to come back intothis room. We're rather anxious to see what you've found while you werein here. Well?

ROSALIE. I 'ave found nothing that would be any good to you. 

DONOHUE. I'm the best judge of that. What was it you found?

ROSALIE. I found comfort, sir. A feeling that the innocent would come tono 'arm. 

DONOHUE (_dryly_). Take her to Mrs. MacPherson. Come back as soonas you turn her over to the matron. 

DUNN. Yes, Inspector. Come on--come on, you. 

ROSALIE (_crossing_ L. ). I will come!

(_They go out. He stands looking after them for about five seconds, when_ DUNN _re-enters and says_:)

DUNN (_above door_ L. ). Mrs. Mac's got her. 

DONOHUE. She turned out that light. I wonder why? What did she want inthe dark. 

(_He goes over toward the light switch at_ L. _and puts out his hand. He stops suddenly as his attention is attracted by a_ POLICEMAN _comingfeet foremost down the chimney. _ DONOHUE _gives a little start and thencomes_ L. C. _The_ POLICEMAN _jumps down all the way in fireplace, and comes into the room to console table_ L. _end of chesterfield. His uniform is covered with soot, and so are his face and hands. _ DUNN_goes down_ L. _below door. _)

DUNN. I sent him to see if they'd hidden that knife up there?

DONOHUE. Good. (_To_ POLICEMAN. ) Find anything?

POLICEMAN. Nothing but dirt. Who pays for this uniform?

DONOHUE. You don't, anyway. Could you hear anything while you were upthere?

POLICEMAN. Not a thing. 

DONOHUE. You are sure?

POLICEMAN. Certain. 

DONOHUE. Go and get a bath. 

POLICEMAN. 'Tain't Saturday. 

(_He exits at_ L. DONOHUE _crosses_ R. _Pause_. )

DUNN (_down_ L. _After a pause_). Don't it beat _Hell_?

DONOHUE. Why?

DUNN. That knife couldn't have flew away. 

DONOHUE (_coming_ C. ). We'll find it eventually. It's in this roomsomewhere. 

DUNN. No, sir, it ain't. 

DONOHUE. Where have you looked?

DUNN. Everywhere. 

DONOHUE. Not hidden in the furniture?

DUNN. I'll gamble it ain't. Took up all the rugs, shook 'em. Dug throughthe upholstery in the furniture, looked back of mat on the wall. It'snot in the bric-à-brac, or whatever these swells call their jugs. 

(DONOHUE _crosses towards table_ R. )

DONOHUE. Unless we find it on the old woman, it's still in this room. 

DUNN. I suppose you noticed that she opened the window. 

DONOHUE (_upper end of table_ R. ). Yes, I noticed that. Mike, you've themakings of a great detective. 

DUNN. I'm a darned good detective now. 

(DONOHUE _goes to window at_ R. _and calls out_. )

DONOHUE. Say, Doolan! See anything?

DOOLAN (_outside window_ R. ). A woman put up the window just now. Shestood there a while looking up in the air. (_Pause. _) Watching thestars, I guess. 

DONOHUE. Have anything in her hand?

DOOLAN. No, sir. The light from this lamp was shinin' right on her. Icould see everything. 

DONOHUE. Throw anything out of the window?

DOOLAN. No, Inspector. 

DONOHUE. All right. You're to arrest anyone leaving the house. 

DOOLAN. I gotcha. 

(DONOHUE _comes below table_ R. _and turns to_ DUNN. _Crosses to_ L. C. )

DONOHUE. We'll find the knife eventually. We've got to. Get me Mr. Crosby, the O'Neill girl--that's the order I want to see them in here. 

(DUNN _exits_ L. DONOHUE _crosses up_ R. _end of chesterfield to chestup_ R. , _starts to cross_ L. _below chesterfield_. CROSBY _enters down_L. _and closes the door_. DONOHUE _comes down to_ C. _by_ R. _end ofchesterfield_. )

CROSBY (L. C. ). Your man told me to come here. 

DONOHUE. Yes. Sorry to have to give orders in your house. If you don'tlike it I can take everyone down to Police Headquarters. You know whatwill happen--what the newspapers will do if I take all these ladies andgentlemen down town. In the end this way will be the best for you andyour friends. Well, how about it?

CROSBY (L. C. ). Thank you. I think you'd better regard this house as yourown for the present. 

DONOHUE (C. ). All right. If you don't mind I'll use this room as aheadquarters for the present. 

CROSBY. I have already told you to use this house as your own. 

DONOHUE. Thank you. Good evening. 

CROSBY (_with a laugh_). I'm dismissed?

DONOHUE. You're dismissed. (CROSBY _walks toward door_ L. ) Why did Walesobject to the engagement of your son and Helen O'Neill?

CROSBY (_turns to_ DONOHUE). Who told you that? (_Moving a few steps. _)

DONOHUE. It doesn't matter. I know that he did. Why?

CROSBY (_turning front_). I can't talk about it. 

DONOHUE (C. ). All right. You're the best judge of that. Only I'mattaching a great deal of importance to this fact. If I'm undulyemphasizing its value, don't you think you'd better set me straightabout it?

CROSBY. What possible bearing can it have on--

DONOHUE. Motive, my dear sir, motive. 

CROSBY. Come now. You can't think that this girl killed Wales becauseshe heard him ask us to wait before we sanctioned her engagement to myson. 

DONOHUE. She did hear Mr. Wales make that objection. That's just what Iwanted to know. 

CROSBY (L. ). I think I'd better send for my lawyer. 

DONOHUE (C. ). Well, you can do as you like about that. Frankly, I don'tunderstand your attitude at all. I can appreciate your desire to spareyour son all the unhappiness that you can. But if this young womankilled Wales and Lee, the sooner we find it out the better for you andyour family. 

CROSBY. Oddly enough I was thinking only of Miss O'Neill at the moment. 

DONOHUE. You'd better think of yourself and your family first. (_Moves_ R. _a few steps_. )

CROSBY. That's for me to decide. I certainly am not going to allow thatchild to be bullied and badgered in the usual police fashion. (_Moves_R. _a step_. )

DONOHUE. You're going to do as you are told, sir. If you warn that girl, if you caution her in any way, I'll drag every one of you down town. Youand your wife and your son and the girl and all your friends. Bereasonable, Mr. Crosby. If the girl is innocent, telling me the truthwon't hurt her. If she's guilty, and I think she is, by God, I'm goingto drag the truth out of her and her mother. (_There is a knock on thedoor down_ L. ) Come in. 

(HELEN _enters_ L. )

HELEN (L. ). You wanted me?

DONOHUE. Yes, come in. Sit down, please. 

(_Indicating chair below table_ R. HELEN _crosses and sits_. CROSBY_starts to move_ R. )

CROSBY. Helen--

DONOHUE. What you are planning to do, Mr. Crosby, will only make mattersworse, I promised you that. 

(_After a moment's pause_ CROSBY _exits_ L. _and leaves door open_. DONOHUE _turns, closes door and turns sharply to_ HELEN. _Crossestowards the table_. )

Now then, young woman, let's hear what you've got to say. 

HELEN. Nothing. 

DONOHUE (C. ). Nothing? I don't suppose it's necessary for me to tell youthat you're under grave suspicion. 

HELEN. No, I realize that. 

DONOHUE. Now, the best way to help yourself if you're innocent is to bequite frank with me. (_She simply looks at him, but does not speak. _)Well?

HELEN. I've already told you that there is nothing that I can say. 

DONOHUE. Someone has advised you not to answer me. Who was it? (_Thereis a pause. _) You'd better tell me. (_Moves_ R. C. )

HELEN. I am not going to answer any of your questions. 

DONOHUE. I told you that if you were innocent, nothing that you couldsay would hurt you. If you're guilty--well that's a different matter. 

HELEN. You know that I didn't do it. 

DONOHUE (_in front of table_ R. ). Well, there you are. Why notanswer my question then? The sooner we find out who is guilty the sooneryou'll be freed from suspicion. You see that, don't you?

HELEN. Yes. 

DONOHUE (_brings chair and sits in front of table_ R. ). Now we'regetting along. How well did you know Spencer Lee? (HELEN _does notanswer him--looking front_. ) You'd better make up your mind to talk. Do you hear? (HELEN _does not speak. Losing his temper. _) Why, youlittle fool, do you think you can fight me? (_He turns sharply to faceher, turning his back on the door at_ L. ) You were the last person tosee Spencer Lee alive. Yes, and you saw him dead, too. You heard Walesthreaten to tell these fine people what he knew about you; you knew he'dprevent your marriage to this young millionaire, and then--

(ROSALIE _enters quietly from_ L. _and stands for a moment watchingthem_. )

When your chance came in the dark you killed him. Now then, you comeacross with the truth. 

ROSALIE. She'll come across with nothing. (_Crosses_ R. _to table_. )

(DONOHUE _rises and stands by table_ R. C. HELEN _rises_. )

You said that she was the one that did it and you would find the knifeon 'er. Well, you did not, did you? You think that she is the personthat killed Spencer Lee?

DONOHUE. Yes. 

ROSALIE. Well, she is not. You say you 'ave the finger-prints of thegirl who was in his rooms. Well, take 'er finger-prints and put themside by side with the others, and then you will see. I dare you to dothat. 

HELEN (_with a cry_). Mother-- (_She stops suddenly. _)

DONOHUE. What were you going to say?

HELEN. Nothing. 

(DUNN _enters with box and envelope_. )

DONOHUE. That's very wise of you. 

DUNN. Got it, Inspector. (_Crosses to_ C. )

DONOHUE (_down_ R. ). Do they compare?

DUNN. To a T. 

(ROSALIE C. , HELEN _down_ R. DONOHUE _in front table between_ HELEN_and_ ROSALIE. )

DONOHUE. All right. Let me have 'em. Now ask Mr. Crosby and his son tocome here at once. 

(DUNN _turns and exits_ L. DONOHUE _up_ C. _crosses to back of table_ R. )

I already have your daughter's finger-prints, Madame la Grange. 

ROSALIE. 'Ave you really? ... You are very smart. 

(HELEN _crosses to_ ROSALIE R. C. ROSALIE _puts her arms about the girland swings her_ L. _of her. When_ DONOHUE _opens box at the back oftable_ CROSBY _and_ WILLIAM _enter from_ L. _accompanied by_ DUNN. )

DONOHUE. That's all, Mike. 

(DUNN _exits_ L. _and closes door_. CROSBY L. _of_ HELEN. WILLIAM L. _of_ CROSBY. )

Mr. Crosby, I told you that I'd settle this case in a few minutes. Theend has come sooner than I thought. I am now ready to make an arrest. I have sent for you and your son because-- (_He suddenly turns toward_HELEN. ) This is the woman we have been hunting. 

ROSALIE. That is a lie! (R. _end of chesterfield_. )

(WILLIAM _goes to_ HELEN. )

DONOHUE (_picking up cup and holding it out toward them_). Here is thecup--

(CROSBY _crosses down_ R. _to below table--moves chair over_ R. )

which we took from Spencer Lee's rooms. These are the finger-prints ofthe woman who used it. (_Ignoring_ CROSBY _for the moment_. ) Here is thesaucer that she used. More finger-prints. A few minutes ago I sent thisyoung woman a note. The man who gave it to her wore gloves, so did Iwhen I addressed the envelope. Hers are the only naked hands that havetouched it. (_He picks up the envelope gingerly by one corner, andholds it outward to them. _) They are unquestionably Helen O'Neill'sfinger-prints. (HELEN _is in_ WILLIAM'S _arms_. DONOHUE _puts down theenvelope. Then he picks up the cup and points to the finger-marks onit_. ) And so, Mr. Crosby, are these. There can be no doubt about it. There is never any doubt about this method of identification. In twentyyears there has never been one mistake. We now have what we've beenhunting for: the woman who went to Spencer Lee's rooms. 

(DONOHUE _steps back with a little gesture of triumph_. CROSBY _standsstaring at the girl_. ROSALIE _comes to_ R. _of_ HELEN, _turns to her_. )

ROSALIE (C. ). Look at me, my darling. Look at your mother. (_She takes_HELEN'S _face in her hands and looks at her closely. Then with a littlecry of contentment stands_ R. _of_ HELEN. ROSALIE _and_ HELEN _back upto chesterfield_. ) Now, darling, you must not be frightened. Look up, child. Why do not you say something?

HELEN. I can't. 

(_Sits on chesterfield. _ DONOHUE _gives a short laugh_. )

DONOHUE. What can she say?

WILLIAM (_going to her_). Dear, tell him it's a lie. 

CROSBY. Wait. Let me talk to her. (CROSBY _comes over to_ HELEN _andsits beside her on the chesterfield_, R. _side_. WILLIAM _is at_ L. _end_. ) My dear, you understand that none of us believe--what theInspector wants us to believe. We know that you have never doneanything--that you are no more guilty of this atrocious crime than I am. We all want to help you. We believe in you and trust you and love you. You understand that, don't you?

HELEN. Yes. 

WILLIAM. I won't have this. 

CROSBY. I'm afraid you must, Will. (_He turns again to_ HELEN. ) Wewant to help you, so, my dear, you must be perfectly frank with us. Inspector Donohue says he can prove that you went to that man's rooms. Is that true?

HELEN (_slowly and reluctantly_). Yes. 

(DONOHUE _gives a short laugh. Sits back of table_ R. )

ROSALIE (R. _of chesterfield_). And what if she did? She had a gooderrand. What did you go for, darling?

HELEN. I can't tell you. 

WILLIAM. Dear, you must tell us. (_She looks at him suddenly. He comesover and kneels beside her and talks to her as if to a little child. _)My dear, it isn't that we don't trust you. Surely you know how we alllove you? But we must know the truth--because we have to show _him_ howwrong he is. 

DONOHUE (_seated back of table_ R. ). Yes, and I'm waiting to be shown. 

WILLIAM (_kneeling_ L. _of_ HELEN). Why did you go to Spencer Lee?

HELEN (_sitting on chesterfield_). You mustn't ask me that. I can't tellyou. 

CROSBY (_still on chesterfield_). But if you don't tell us, how can wehelp you?

HELEN. I didn't do anything, I didn't do anything. 

CROSBY. We know that, my child. But why did you go? (HELEN _does notanswer_. ) Did you know Spencer Lee?

WILLIAM. Of course she didn't. 

DONOHUE (_seated back of table_ R. ). Why don't she speak for herself?

WILLIAM. Because I'll speak for her. 

CROSBY. Can't you answer even that question?

(HELEN _shakes her head and makes a despairing gesture_. )

WILLIAM. But, dear, don't you see what they'll think? Helen, you musttell me. 

HELEN. Could I speak to mother, alone? (_She rises. _)

DONOHUE. You cannot. 

(CROSBY _and_ WILLIAM _rise_. CROSBY _moves to_ L. _end ofchesterfield. _)

ROSALIE (R. _end of chesterfield_). Where is the 'arm in that? A child'as the right to talk to 'er own mother any time she does want. 

DONOHUE. Anything you wish to say you can say in front of me. 

ROSALIE (_coming to_ HELEN C. ). Darling, you need not mind the niceInspector. I well know that there was never anything in your mind thatyou could not say before all the world. (_There is a pause. _) Tell yourmother, my darling. 

(CROSBY _is now_ C. WILLIAM _stands below him_ C. )

HELEN (_beginning to cry_). I can't. I can't. 

ROSALIE (C. ). Stop, there 'as been crying enough. I did lose my 'eadthrough that. Stop crying or I will beat you. (_She too begins to cryand takes her daughter in her arms again. _) There, there, my dear. Yourmother is not going to let anyone 'urt you--not anyone at all. (_Theycry together for a moment, and then_ ROSALIE _gets her self-controlback. She blows her nose vigorously_. ) We will both be the better forthat. Now then, tell me. 

HELEN. Mother, I can't. 

ROSALIE (R. C. ). Who did you promise you would not?

HELEN (_surprised_). Why, how did you--

ROSALIE. She is shielding someone. 

HELEN. No. No. 

ROSALIE. That is the first lie you 'ave ever told me. I want to know whoit is you are shielding? (HELEN _does not answer_. ROSALIE _suddenlyturns to_ WILLIAM. ) She is your girl?

WILLIAM (L. C. ). Yes. 

ROSALIE. Then make her tell. 

WILLIAM (_to_ HELEN C. ). Nell dear, you must--

HELEN. Billy, I can't. 

CROSBY (_drops down_ L. _of group_). My dear, even if you're protectingsomeone else, I think you ought to tell us. 

HELEN (_with a sudden outburst_). Why are you all against me? Why areyou all trying to make me break my--

(_Moves to_ R. _end of chesterfield_. WILLIAM _comes to her_. CROSBY_is_ L. C. )

ROSALIE (_interrupting_ HELEN, _coming to_ R. C. ). Break your word? Youshall not. You need not tell. I know it myself now--I 'ave been blind. (_She turns suddenly on the_ INSPECTOR--_moves to down table_ R. , _abovehim_. ) You are the one that found out there was two Helens. The extraHelen, you said. Well, please to send for the other Helen and ask her. 

HELEN. Mother, stop!

ROSALIE. Stop? I will not. 

CROSBY (C. ). Wait, please. Is it my daughter you're protecting? (HELEN_does not answer_. ) Because if it is---much as we love her--my dear, wecan't accept that sacrifice from you. I'm her father, and you must tellme the truth. Did my daughter send you? (_There is a long pause. _) Didyou go for my daughter?

HELEN (_slowly_). Yes. 

ROSALIE. I did know it. (_Above table_ R. )

CROSBY. My daughter sent you. What for?

HELEN (R. C. ). Some letters. 

WILLIAM (_in front of chesterfield_ C. ). Why didn't she go herself?

HELEN. She was afraid. 

DONOHUE (_still seated back of table_ R. ). Well, go on. 

(HELEN _does not speak_. )

WILLIAM (R. C. ). Tell him, dear, it's all right. 

HELEN. I don't know what to say. 

DONOHUE. Why not tell the truth? (_Rises and comes to chair belowtable_ R. )

ROSALIE. Tell the Inspector what happened, dearie. (_Putting_ HELEN_in chair front of table_ R. )

HELEN. Nothing happened. That's the funny part of it. The minute Mr. Leeunderstood that I knew about the letters, everything was changed. I saidthat unless he gave them to me I'd tell Mr. Crosby about them. He seemedterribly upset. He said he hadn't meant to frighten Helen. That he lovedher, and was desperate. I thought it was a funny kind of love, but Ididn't tell him that. Then he gave me the letters. 

DONOHUE. Was this before or after you had tea with him?

HELEN. Before. 

DONOHUE. Go on. He gave you the letters?

HELEN (_seated in front of table_ R. ). Yes. And he seemed terriblyunhappy. He begged me to stay and talk to him for a few minutes, and Idid. He asked me to have some tea with him, and I did that too. 

DONOHUE. How charming! What did you do after tea?

(ROSALIE _is at the back of the chair in the front of the table_. )

HELEN. I came home and gave Helen her letters. 

DONOHUE. And that's all?

HELEN. That's all. 

DONOHUE. Why did you do this?

HELEN. She's Billy's sister. 

DONOHUE. My compliments, young woman. That was beautifully done. And shelooks so innocent too. 

WILLIAM (C). You don't believe--

DONOHUE. Not a word of it. Not one word. 

ROSALIE. And why not?

DONOHUE. That I _don't_ is sufficient. Her story is preposterous. Yourdaughter's--

WILLIAM. It is the truth. 

DONOHUE. Do you expect me to believe for a minute that a man like Leewould threaten your daughter, and then when a total stranger comes tohim and asks for the letters, give them up without a word? Why, no juryin the world would believe your story. 

WILLIAM. Jury? You're not going to arrest her?

DONOHUE. She is arrested. 

ROSALIE. You 'ave not proof. 

DONOHUE (_below table_ R. ). All the proof that I need. If she wasinnocent, why didn't she tell me all this when I first questioned her?Why did she wait until she knew that I had proof--that she had been inSpencer Lee's rooms?

WILLIAM. She was protecting my sister. 

DONOHUE. Women don't hang together like that. 

ROSALIE (_upper end of table_ R. ). Oh, they do, they do! The poorcreatures!

DONOHUE (_down_ R. ). They do not. I know them. (_He turns to_ WILLIAM. )She wasn't protecting your sister. She was protecting herself. She wentfor the letters, of course; and they had tea before she asked for them, not afterwards. 

CROSBY (R. C. _to_ L. _of_ WILLIAM). How do you know that?

DONOHUE. She couldn't take tea with a man she's just killed. 

WILLIAM. Why, _damn_ you-- (_Starts_ R. )

CROSBY (_grabbing_ WILLIAM _by shoulders_). Billy!

WILLIAM (_breaks up stage a few steps, then down stage again_). I'msorry. I didn't mean to lose my temper. I suppose we've got to take thisthing calmly. Inspector, you honestly believe that Nelly killed thisman?

DONOHUE. Yes. 

WILLIAM. Why should she?

DONOHUE. She was engaged to you--he had compromising letters she hadwritten to him--he was threatening her with exposure--she went to gether letters. They had tea together--she's admitted that, after we provedit, and then when he wouldn't give up her letters she killed him. Somuch for the first murder. (_Turns away. _) Now for the second: she wassitting next to Wales; he had already threatened her with exposure; inanother minute the medium would have told her name as that of the personwho had been at Spencer Lee's rooms. She pulled her hand away from his, struck and took his hand again. (_There is a pause. _) Young man, you'llhave a hard time tearing apart that chain of evidence. 

ROSALIE. Except for the fact that she did never write the man a letterin 'er life, it is a grand case you 'ave, Inspector. 

WILLIAM (_down_ C. _a step_. CROSBY _goes above_ WILLIAM C. ). Of course. Dad, we've lost our brains. She didn't go for her own letters. (WILLIAM_turns to the_ INSPECTOR. ) You were talking of juries. Do you think anyjury will believe that a young girl would kill a man to get back anotherwoman's letters for her? (_He starts toward door_ L. )

CROSBY. Where are you going?

WILLIAM. To get my sister. 

DONOHUE. Wait. (WILLIAM _stops_. ) I'll send for Mrs. Trent. 

WILLIAM (_crosses_ L. C. ). But I want to ask her--

DONOHUE (_interrupting him_). I'll ask my own questions. If you want tohelp this investigation, you might call Sergeant Dunn for me. 

(WILLIAM _opens door at_ L. )

WILLIAM. Sergeant Dunn, the Inspector wants you. (_He turns back to thegirl, and_ DUNN _enters_ L. )

DONOHUE. Ask Mrs. Trent to come here. 

(DUNN _exits at_ L. ROSALIE _is at the_ R. _end of chesterfield_. HELEN_is in the chair in front of the table_ R. WILLIAM C. CROSBY _walks up_L. , _then back to_ L. C. DONOHUE _below the table looking at them with agrim smile. After a pause of about ten seconds_ MRS. TRENT _and_ TRENT_enter from L. , followed by_ DUNN, _who stands below the door. _)

I sent for Mrs. Trent. 

TRENT (L. C. ). I know that. What do you want to see her about?

DONOHUE. Mrs. Trent, did you ask this girl to go to Spencer Lee's roomsto get letters you had written to him?

TRENT (L. _of_ MRS. TRENT). Did she what?

DONOHUE. Did you, Mrs. Trent?

MRS. TRENT (L. C. ). Certainly not. 

HELEN. Why-- (_Rises from chair in front of table_ R. )

DONOHUE (_sternly_). Keep still, you. (_To_ MRS. TRENT. ) Are you sure?

TRENT (_L. _ of MRS. TRENT). Of course she's sure. 

DONOHUE. Mr. Trent, you must stop these interruptions. (_To_ MRS. TRENT. ) Will you please answer my question?

MRS. TRENT. I never wrote a letter to Spencer Lee in my life. (_Shesuddenly turns to_ HELEN. ) How dare you say I sent you there?

HELEN. You did! You did! (_In front of table. _)

MRS. TRENT (_down_ L. C. ). I don't know what she's told you, Inspector, but--

DONOHUE. Never mind what she told me. I want to be very sure of this. You did not ask this girl to go to Spencer Lee's rooms?

MRS. TRENT. No. 

DONOHUE (_down_ R. ). He had no letters of yours?

MRS. TRENT (L. C. ). No. 

DONOHUE. Do you know whether this girl had written to him?

MRS. TRENT. I don't know anything about it. 

WILLIAM (_coming_ L. _of_ MRS. TRENT. CROSBY _comes_ C. ). But Nelldidn't know Lee, and you did, Helen. 

DONOHUE (_still down_ R. ). How about that, Mrs. Trent?

MRS. TRENT. I hadn't seen Mr. Lee for two or three years. He used tocome here a good deal. He wanted to marry me, but I didn't like him. AndI certainly never wrote him letters of any sort. That is all I can tellyou. 

DONOHUE. Thank you very much. That is all that I want to know. 

WILLIAM (_turning on his sister_). You're lying to save yourself. You'vegot to tell the truth. 

TRENT. She is telling you the truth. 

WILLIAM. She's not. 

CROSBY (_after a pause, putting his hand on his son's shoulder_). I'm sorry, Billy. 

(WILLIAM _goes up to chesterfield_ C. _and sits_. CROSBY _looks coldlyat_ HELEN _and turns to his daughter_. )

MRS. TRENT. Father, you know that--

CROSBY. Yes, dear, I know. Inspector, do you want us any more?

DONOHUE. Not any more, thank you. 

CROSBY. Come then, children. (_He exits with_ MR. _and_ MRS. TRENT_down_ L. )

(HELEN _is still in front of the table_ R. _As the door closes_, DONOHUE_crosses to_ L. C. )

DONOHUE. Mike, take her down town. 

ROSALIE (C. ). I would not if I was you. Inspector, I do know who 'asdone it. 

(WILLIAM _rises_. )

DONOHUE (_turning to_ ROSALIE C. ). You know! Who was it?

ROSALIE. I cannot tell you yet. (DONOHUE _laughs_. WILLIAM _goes to_HELEN. ) But I will! I will!

DONOHUE. Telling's not enough. There's just one thing that will convinceme that she didn't kill Spencer Lee. 

WILLIAM (_down_ E. ). What, Inspector, what?

DONOHUE. The confession of the one who did. (_He turns to_ ROSALIE. )Bring me that and I'll set your daughter free. 

ROSALIE (C. ). Inspector, give me a chance. Do not arrest my little girl. Give me time. I do know who 'as done it and I will get for you what youwant. 

DONOHUE (L. C. ). Nonsense!

ROSALIE (_moves up to_ INSPECTOR). Give me one hour, sir. Keep them allhere one hour more. 

DONOHUE. No. 

WILLIAM (_in front of table_ R. ). Give her a chance. We are all here--noone will get away. What difference will a few minutes make?

(_There is a pause_. DONOHUE _takes out his watch and looks at it_. )

DONOHUE. I'll give her ten minutes. Mike, tell Doolan again to arrestanyone trying to leave the house, and get on the front door yourself andstay there until I tell you. (DUNN _turns and exits at_ L. ) You've gotjust ten minutes. 

(_He follows_ DUNN _off_ L. )

ROSALIE. Ten minutes! Ten minutes!

(WILLIAM _crosses to door_ L. _and closes it_. )

WILLIAM (L. C. ). Why didn't you _tell_ who did it?

ROSALIE (C. ). How could I? I 'ave no idea in the world. But I am goingto find out. I am going to find out. 

HELEN (B. C. ). But how, mother, how?

ROSALIE. Call them back. Make them all come, too. I want them all. (HELEN _runs off_ L. ) Sir, run down into the 'all. Do you know which isMr. Wales' overcoat?

WILLIAM. Yes, I think so. 

ROSALIE. See if you can find for me a glove or something of 'is--and'urry, _mon Dieu_, 'urry!

(WILLIAM _runs off_ L. ROSALIE _stands in thought for a moment, then sheplaces a chair_ C. _facing up stage_. WILLIAM _runs on again and handsher a glove_. )

Did you get it?

WILLIAM (L. C. ). What are you going to do?

ROSALIE (L. C. ). Trick them. Lie to them. It is for Nelly. Do you blame me?

WILLIAM. What can I do to help?

ROSALIE. You are a man after my own 'eart. I am going to do somethingto put the fear of God into the 'eart of that murderer. Do not pay anyattention to me. Watch _them_. Do not look at me, do not take youreyes off them. I am looking for one of them to do something that willshow us the way. It is our only chance. 

(HELEN _runs in_ L. )

HELEN. They're coming. 

ROSALIE. Leave the door open so we can 'ear them. (HELEN _does so andreturns to her mother, standing_ L. _of_ ROSALIE. ) Child, kiss me forluck. (_They kiss. _) It will do no 'arm to kiss him, too. (_They kiss. _)Now, my boy, can you lie?

WILLIAM. _Can I!_

ROSALIE (C. ). I am going into a trance. When they do come into the roomyou will tell them that I asked for Mr. Wales' glove and the minute I'ave it in my hand I went off like they see me. Tell them you thoughtthere might be some reason for it. And then leave the rest to me. (_Shesits in the chair_ C. , _facing the back of the stage_. )

WILLIAM. I understand. 

ROSALIE. You stand here at the back of me. I wish for them all to bein front of me. (WILLIAM _crosses back of_ ROSALIE _to_ R. _side of_ROSALIE'S _chair_. HELEN _crosses_ R. _of_ ROSALIE _above her_. ) Nelly, stand close by me. (_To_ WILLIAM. ) Go farther back. (HELEN _moves to_ R. _of_ ROSALIE. ) That's right. Now don't you move from there. This will bethe realest trance and the grandest fake. When I come out, make them goaway, tell them you are afraid and that it will kill me to see anyone. 

(_She suddenly stiffens in her chair. Lying rigid with her head thrownback on the head-rest, and the hand in which she is holding_ WALES'_glove stretched out straight in front of her. Enter down_ L. , CROSBY, MISS EASTWOOD, STANDISH, TRENT, MRS. CROSBY, MRS. TRENT, MISS ERSKINE_and_ MISS STANDISH. )

CROSBY (_crossing to up_ L. C. ). What is it, Billy?

(MISS EASTWOOD _goes to the_ L. _side of_ ROSALIE'S _chair_, MRS. TRENT_and_ MRS. CROSBY L. _of chesterfield_ C. ; TRENT, MISS ERSKINE _and_STANDISH _lower_ L. _end of chesterfield_. )

STANDISH. What's happened?

WILLIAM (R. _side of_ ROSALIE'S _chair_). I don't know, exactly. We weretalking about this awful thing. She knew, of course, that her daughtercouldn't have done it, and she asked me to get her something that hadbelonged to poor Wales. I got a glove out of Wales' overcoat pocket andhanded it to her, and then all of a sudden she went stiff like that. I don't know what it means. 

(_The others draw closer to_ ROSALIE. MISS EASTWOOD _comes to_ ROSALIE_and lays her hand on her forehead_. )

MISS EASTWOOD. She's like ice, she's not-- (_Backing up_ C. _a fewsteps_. )

HELEN. Oh, no, it's a trance. 

(MASON _enters_ L. )

MASON. I wouldn't touch her if I were you. 

ROSALIE. (_Speaking as_ LAUGHING EYES. ) Hello, everybody! What are youall so solemn about? I've got a message from a new friend. He do notwant me to send it--he wants to talk; ha, ha, ha, he thinks he can talk, and he 'as only been here a little while. (_Still speaking as_ LAUGHINGEYES. ) He says you are all fools. It is so plain, so plain. He islooking right at the one who did it, right straight at the one who didit. 

WALES' VOICE. I'm coming to you until you tell. I can't speak names. You've got to tell, I'm coming, again and again and again, until youtell. Find the knife. You must find the knife. The marks will show. Themarks will show. 

(MISS EASTWOOD _shrieks and faints on_ L. _end of chesterfield_. MASON_is below end of chesterfield looking at her_. WILLIAM _is standing_ R. _side and back of_ ROSALIE _looking eagerly about him_. HELEN _turns andlooks at_ MISS EASTWOOD. MRS. CROSBY _goes to_ MISS EASTWOOD _onchesterfield_. )

MASON. This has got to stop. (_Starts to move to_ ROSALIE'S _chair_--L. _side of it_. )

HELEN (R. _side of_ ROSALIE'S _chair_). You mustn't touch her. 

MASON. It's all right as far as the men are concerned, but look at thatgirl. (_He points to_ MISS EASTWOOD _on the chesterfield_. ) They'll allbe fainting if this isn't stopped. 

(TRENT _goes to_ ROSALIE. )

WALES' VOICE. Trent, let the medium alone. Do you understand? Let themedium alone. 

TRENT. That's Wales' voice--and Wales is dead. 

(MASON _goes slowly to_ ROSALIE'S _chair_. TRENT _moves_ L. _above_MASON _to_ STANDISH. ROSALIE _begins to mutter and moan. Suddenly shebrings her hands together, and then throws her arms wide apart. _ WALES'_glove sails out of her hand and strikes_ MASON _on the face. It fallsto the floor_. )

(STANDISH _exits very quietly door down_ L. MASON _picks glove up, holding it in his hand_--_looks at it_--_suddenly drops it to thefloor--turns to_ MRS. CROSBY. )

MASON. Mrs. Crosby, shall I take Miss Eastwood to your room for you?

MRS. CROSBY. Yes, please, Philip. 

(MISS ERSKINE _moves to door_ L. MASON _assists_ MISS EASTWOOD _andhelps her from the room, exiting door down_ L. MRS. CROSBY _goes out_ L. TRENT _wipes his hands with handkerchief_. ROSALIE _stirs uneasily andmoans_. )

HELEN (_standing_ R. _side of_ ROSALIE'S _chair_). Please leave herto me. I'm afraid seeing you all here will trouble her. I'm afraidshe'll-- Oh, won't you please go. 

(_The others turn, move towards the door down_ L. _and go out_. )

CROSBY (_below_ L. _end of chesterfield_). Let me know if there'sanything I can do. 

(ROSALIE _moans again_. )

HELEN. Yes, yes. Only please go now. 

(CROSBY _goes out_ L. WILLIAM _runs quickly to the door at_ L. , _closesit and then turns to_ ROSALIE, _who is sitting up in her chair_. )

ROSALIE (_rises and crosses a step_ R. ). Well?

HELEN (R. C. ). It was the Eastwood girl. Her face was terrible. I wasglad when she fainted. 

WILLIAM (L. C. ). I think you're wrong. Standish ran away. He couldn'tbear it. 

ROSALIE. And _that_ is all you saw? I told you to use your eyes and thebrains that are at the back of them. 

WILLIAM. Well, of course, there was Trent. You can't mean Trent? Why, he's the kindest man in the world. (_There is a pause. _) The letters. If he's known the truth about the letters. (_Breaks_ L. _a step_. )

HELEN (_coming down to_ L. _of_ ROSALIE'S _chair and picking up glove_). Mother, why did you throw that glove at Mason?

ROSALIE. Did it hit him? Well, well! Well, any'ow it was a good séance. 

(ROSALIE _crosses down_ R. C. )

HELEN (_moving to_ L. _side of_ ROSALIE). Mother, you know? You've foundout?

(WILLIAM _takes_ ROSALIE'S _chair up_ L. _and then comes down_ L. )

ROSALIE. It is one thing to know and another to prove. 

HELEN (L. _of_ ROSALIE). Mother, who was it?

ROSALIE. Child, child, do you think it is a game we do play? I 'ave twoor three minutes. What I 'ave to do I 'ave to do quickly. 

HELEN. But what, mother, what?

ROSALIE. I do not know! I do not know! Child, if you do not get awayfrom me you will drive me mad. 

WILLIAM. But can't we--

ROSALIE. This is no work for children. Leave me alone and let me think. 

(WILLIAM _and_ HELEN _run off_ L. , _closing door_. )

ROSALIE. He will never tell in the world. Never in all this world. (L. C. _Half in thought_. ) Laughing Eyes, you are no good to me in the world. We 'ave faked all our lives, and now when I want the real thing I getnothing at all. If I could find the knife, there would be marks of a'and on that. But it is gone. It is gone. I cannot let 'im get away. I want a sign. I want a sign. Laughing Eyes, are we going to be beatenby a scheming, cold-hearted murderer?

(_Two knocks are heard outside the door down_ L. _After five seconds twofurther knocks_. ROSALIE _starts and looks hastily around the room_. )

I did not do that. I did not do that. (_She lifts her skirt and seesthat her feet are still in her shoes_. ) It is come! After all the years, a real message. A real message. I will 'ave it in the dark, believingand trusting that I am to be shown. 

(_She crosses down to door_ L. _and switches off the light. All thelights in the room are out. The spot from the window shines on theceiling, brilliantly illuminating the knife_. ROSALIE _moves_ C. )

Laughing Eyes, have you a message for me? (_She looks up at knife inceiling_. ) Look at it! The knife!

(_The door at_ L. _opens_, POLLOCK _stands in the doorway. He sees thatthe lights are out and turns them on. Then he sees_ ROSALIE, _who isstanding_ C. , _facing front as in a trance_. )

POLLOCK. Excuse me, madam. I knocked twice, but you didn't hear me. 

ROSALIE. I 'eard you. Just the same, it was a message. 

POLLOCK. The Inspector says, have you got anything you want to tell him?

(ROSALIE _stands lost in thought_. POLLOCK _looks at her for a momentand then nervously begins to place the chair below table to up_ R. _corner of scene. He notices that the window blind is up, goes over andpulls it down and draws the curtains. He then comes back to_ ROSALIE, _above table_ R. )

The Inspector says, have you got anything you want to tell him. 

(ROSALIE _drops down_ R. _in front of table_. DONOHUE _enters from_ L. )

DONOHUE (_moving_ C). Time's about up. (_He laughs. _) Well?

ROSALIE (_below table_ R. ). I want them all here. All of them. Everyone. 

[Illustration]

DONOHUE. What for?

ROSALIE. You are going to 'ear the murderer confess. 

DONOHUE. Pollock, ask Mr. Crosby to bring everyone here, (_Crosses_ R. _to above table_. )

POLLOCK. Very good, sir. 

(_He exits_ L. DONOHUE _takes out his watch and stands with it in hishand watching_ ROSALIE. _She stands lost in her dreams_. DUNN _enterswith_ HELEN O'NEILL _down_ L. )

DUNN. Here she is, Inspector. 

DONOHUE. Come here, miss. (HELEN _crosses to_ DONOHUE. _To_ DUNN. ) Goand get a taxi. 

(DUNN _turns and exits_ L. _The others enter and stand crowding in thedoorway. _ WILLIAM _pushes through and crosses and stands by_ HELEN _up_R. C. _right end of chesterfield_. )

CROSBY (_up_ L. C. ). What is it? You sent for us. 

DONOHUE (_between table and chesterfield_). She says her daughter'snot guilty. I gave her ten minutes to find out who is. The time's up. (_He puts his watch back in his pocket. He turns to_ ROSALIE. ) Well?

(ROSALIE _stands rigid. There is a long pause_. )

ROSALIE (_below table_ R. ). You that is 'iding, come out!

DONOHUE. Come on. (_He takes_ HELEN _by the hand. They go up_ R. _abovetable_. )

ROSALIE (_lower end of table_ R. ). You that is skulking, come out!I call on the spirit of Edward Wales. I call on the spirit of EdwardWales. Now, you that's killed two men, look!

(_The door at_ L. _of fireplace slowly swings open_. MASON _with a cryof horror pushes through the crowd at the doorway, which parts to lethim through. He follows the spirit he sees moving across the stage untilhe is_ C. _and a little above the table_. MRS. TRENT, MISS ERSKINE _and_STANDISH _below door down_ L. TRENT, MRS. CROSBY, MISS EASTWOOD C. _above door_ L. WILLIAM _up_ R. C. _All watch_ MASON. _Suddenly thewindow curtains are thrown back, the blind runs up noisily and thelights go down. The street light strikes the knife in the ceiling, as itbegins to fall_. MASON'S _eye follows the light. He sees the knife andgives a cry of horror as it strikes the table and sticks in front ofhim_. MASON _rushes up stage end of table_ R. )

MASON (_with a cry_). I can't fight the dead. I can't fight the dead!

(_Slowly_ ROSALIE _points at him. The others stand and stare_. )

ROSALIE. Go on, tell it. (_Lower_ R. _side of table_ R. )

MASON. I had to do it. I was afraid Mr. Wales would know. 

ROSALIE. You did kill them both?

MASON. Yes. 

ROSALIE. Mr. Wales to prevent 'im finding out about Spencer Lee?

MASON. Yes. 

ROSALIE. And Spencer Lee?

MASON. He ought to have been killed. I'd been waiting for years to killhim. 

ROSALIE. Why?

MASON. That's between him and me. He smashed my life, and by God, I gothim. He knows why I killed him, I told him I would. I'm glad I did. I only wish I could have done it over and over again. That's all. 

ROSALIE. Why did you kill Spencer Lee?

MASON. He took her away from me. She was the one thing in the world andhe took her away from me. I went to Paris to forget and all I could dowas to remember. Then she died, and I made up my mind that he must dietoo. 

DONOHUE. How did you get the knife in the ceiling?

MASON. I threw it. Just as I threw a knife into Spencer Lee's back. I stood in the doorway of his room and told him I'd come to kill him, and he ran for his revolver and as he ran I threw the knife into hisback. Then I picked up my knife and walked away. No one saw me. I wasquite safe. Quite safe until she came. And unseen hands pushed meforward. Unseen hands have pointed the way. She's not human. Lee'smessage came through her--you all heard Wales speak; out of her lips weheard Wales' voice. He said he'd come back, again and again and again. And then he came! I saw him as he came through the door! God Almighty, you can't fight the dead!

(_He turns suddenly and walks to door_ L. _As he opens it_ SERGEANT DUNN_steps into the room_. )

DONOHUE. That's your man, Sergeant. 

DUNN (_putting his hand on_ MASON'S _arm_). _You_ got him?

DONOHUE. Yes, I got him. 

DUNN. Great work, chief, great work. (_He takes_ MASON _off down_ L. )

(HELEN _crosses down to lower end of table_ R. )

ROSALIE (_as they disappear from view_). The poor young man! the pooryoung man!

DONOHUE. Ladies and gentlemen, you are all quite at liberty. 

(_He goes toward door_ L. )

CROSBY. Thank you, Inspector, for your consideration. 

DONOHUE. Not at all, it was the best way out of it. 

ROSALIE. Inspector! (_Coming below table_ R. _to_ R. C. )

DONOHUE (_half turning_). Yes. 

ROSALIE. My congratulations. 

(_He looks at her for a moment, then turns back and shakes hands withher. _)

DONOHUE. You were quite right about me. I was a damn fool. 

(_He exits at_ L. HELEN _comes below table_ R. )

MRS. TRENT (_turning to her father up_ L. C. _with a cry_). Oh, daddy, daddy! I lied about her! I lied about her!

(CROSBY _takes her in his arms, up_ L. HELEN _crosses to_ ROSALIE _frombelow table_ R. )

ROSALIE (C. ). There is nothing but 'appiness coming to you. The spiritstell me you are the favourite child of fortune. You will 'ave wealth andprosperity and 'appiness. You will marry the man you love, and you willbe 'appy. 

_The_ CURTAIN _falls_. 

ACT I. 

[Illustration: The explanation of the figures is given on the oppositepage. ]

Italian Room in ROSCOE CROSBY'S home. New York. A handsomely furnishedsquare room. 1. Door opening on stage down L. 2. Door opening on stageat back L. C. 3. Door opening on stage R. C. 4. Large fireplace C. Atback. The fireplace with antique fire-dogs must be large enough for manto make an entrance coming through chimney. 5. Large window over R. Inarch. 6. Platform one step high running full length of window, which isthree sashes long. Trick blind on centre pane. Curtains on pole oncentre windows to work on cue. 7. Up C. In front of fireplace facing upstage, large chesterfield sofa two feet wide. 8. Facing audience anotherlarge chesterfield sofa, C. , sofas back to back. 9. At each end of sofassmall console tables. Console table at right end of sofa is the tricktable which ROSALIE lifts. On console tables at either end of sofa, table lamps. On console table left end of sofa, fancy cigarettes boxwith cigarettes and match-box and ash-tray. 10. Right of the door, R. C. , large antique Italian chest. 11. Left of door, L. C. , large antiquechest. Vases on chests. On flat over L. Large tapestry. 12. Against wallover L. Running up and down stage long ornate Italian chest. 13. Ateither end of this chest Italian lamps, seven feet high, standing onfloor. Below door down L. , on flat, an antique clock. 14. Below doordown L. , arm-chair. 15. Left side of fireplace chair with cushion seat. On mantel two large antique vases. 16. Right side of fireplace, chairwith cushion seat. 17. Large arm-chair. 18. Over right is a largelibrary table sitting diagonally up and down stage. On table: book-rackwith four books, desk-pad, stationery-holder with stationery, pens, pencils, ink-box, magazines. 19. Arm-chair back of table. 20. Chairbelow table. 21. Chair above table. 22. On platform in window arch, longseat. 23. Below window arch long arm-chair. 24. Large wall lanterns, onup stage and down stage, end of window arch. Plush valence or draperyfor windows. Rugs on ground cloth. On flat right of doors up R. C. Small-sized, painted, image of the Virgin. Interior backing for doordown L. , up L. C. , and R. C. Fireplace backing. Exterior backing forwindow over R. 25. Off stage down L. Large Italian table with two bronzevases, and a shrine of the Virgin on it. Off stage R. C. Are eight smallchairs, to be brought on stage on cue during First Act. In ceiling, directly over table R. , is a double slot to hold knives. During FirstAct, after WILLIAM puts out table lamp, _after_ MISS EASTWOOD'S_scream_, the knife in down stage slot is let down in sight ofaudience. _Seen with point sticking in ceiling. _ Between Second andThird Acts, the knife that falls on cue, during Third Act, is placed upstage slot in ceiling, with point downwards. Setting the knife down inview of audience in First Act, as well as releasing the second knife sothat it falls, and sticks in table during Third Act, is worked bystrings off stage R. 

LIGHT PLOT. 

Foots full rose, ambers 3/4 at rise. Light switch down stage side ofdoor down L. Hanging lamps, post lamps, table lamps, lit. Amber strip indoorway down L. Lit. One light strip amber, in doorway R. C. And L. C. Twolight strip amber, hung on fireplace backing. Two blue bunches outsidewindow R. , lit. Baby amber shooting across stage from window R. Babyamber striking mantel up C. From window R. Baby amber down L. Atproscenium arch shooting across stage, lit. Blue baby focused to strikeROSALIE in chair C. From window R. , OUT AT RISE. White frost spot inposition outside of window R. To strike ceiling on cue, OUT AT RISE. 

1ST CUE. --When ROSALIE lifts table first time sneak off baby down stageL. , also baby from window R. That starts across stage. 

2ND CUE. --After POLLOCK locks door down L. , all entrance strips and babydown L. , out. 

3RD CUE. --When CROSBY pushes button, all foots out. Brackets out, lampposts out. Amber babies at window R. , out. At same time, white spotlight on ceiling LIT. 

4TH CUE. --When WILLIAM pulls chain on table lamp right end ofchesterfield, table lamp out. Two babies from window out. 

5TH CUE. --When CROSBY says, "The reflection on the ceiling is toostrong, " WILLIAM pulls chain on table lamp right end of chesterfield, table lamp and two babies from window right, LIT. 

6TH CUE. --WILLIAM pulls down window shade, spot on ceiling and bluebunches OUT. Then when WILLIAM pulls chain on the table lamp right endof chesterfield, table lamp, two babies outside window R. , OUT. 

7TH CUE. --When CROSBY calls for light, table lamp right end ofchesterfield, LIT. Two babies from window LIT. Amber foots 1/4 LIT. Bring on blue baby outside window R. 

8TH CUE. --When WILLIAM pulls chain on table lamp right end ofchesterfield, table lamp, two babies, amber foots, OUT, leaving bluespot, LIT. 

9TH CUE. --When CROSBY calls for light, table lamp right end ofchesterfield, LIT; two amber babies, LIT; amber foots, 3/8 LIT. 

NOTE. --All house lights in front (Auditorium) must be OUT when ROSALIEand ladies enter after ROSALIE has been searched. This is veryimportant. 

ACT II. 

[Illustration: The position of the chairs at the commencement of theAct. ]

LIGHTING PLOT FOR ACT II. 

Amber foots, half up. Hanging brackets, lamp posts, table lamps, entrance strips, LIT. Amber baby down in L. First entrance, LIT. Bluebunches outside of window R. , LIT. Fireplace, LIT. Lights stand duringthis Act. 

ACT III. 

The eight small chairs that were brought on in the First Act are takenoff stage. The big arm-chair that ROSALIE sat in has been taken up theleft corner of set. Table has been moved up and on stage about a foot. The knife that is to fall on given cue has been placed in slot inceiling. The window blind is pulled down, the curtains on window areopened. Arm-chair back of table R. Chair below table R. Chair abovetable R. Chesterfield has been moved down stage C. About a foot. Shelfback of chesterfield has been fixed for WALES to lie on. Console tableback in its original position, right end of chesterfield C. Chairs withupholstered seats put back to left and right sides of fireplace. Doordown L. , open. 

Be sure to clear everything off table R. C. For knife. 

LIGHTING PLOT FOR ACT III. 

Everything OUT at RISE except amber strip and amber baby in left firstentrance and blue bunches outside of window, R. , which are LIT. 

1ST CUE. --After prayer, ROSALIE raises window shade, white spot on knifein ceiling, LIT. 

2ND CUE. --Inspector pushes switch, lights lit, amber foots 1/2, tablelamps, brackets, post lights, LIT. 

NOTE. --No lights in entrance R. C. , L. C. , and fireplace. 

3RD CUE. --ROSALIE pushes light switch, foots, table lamps, brackets, post lights, OUT. Spot on knife from outside window R. , LIT. 

4TH CUE. --POLLOCK pushes light switch, amber foots, table lamps, brackets, post lights, LIT same as AT RISE. Spot on knife, out. 

5TH CUE. --ROSALIE says, "I call on the spirit of Edward Wales, " start todim foots to 1/8. Must be down on word "look. " As window shade flies up, spot on knife, LIT. As knife leaves ceiling spot OUT and amber foots, flash up, full. 

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