EMLYN WILLIAMS

NIGHT MUST FALL

A PLAY IN THREE ACTS

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

THE PERFORMING RIGHTS OF THIS PLAY ARE FULLY PROTECTED, AND PERMISSION TO PERFORM IT, WHETHER BY AMATEURS OR PROFESSIONALS, MUST BE GAINED IN ADVANCE FROM THE AUTHOR'S SOLE AGENT, WALTER PEACOCK, 60 HAYMARKET, LONDON, S.W. I.

PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BY THE VAN REES PRESS

EH

To M. W.

THE CHARACTERS

(in the order of their appearance)

THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE MRS. BRAMSON OLIVIA GRAYNE Her niece HUBERT LAURIE NURSE LIBBY MRS. TERENCE Mrs. Bramson's cook DORA PARKOE Her maid INSPECTOR BELSIZE DAN

BEFORE THE PLAY

The Court of Criminal Appeal

_The action of the play takes place in the sitting-room of Forest Corner, Mrs. Bramson's bungalow in Essex.

The time is the present_.

ACT I: A morning in October.

ACT II SCENE I: An afternoon twelve days later. SCENE II: Late afternoon, two days later.

ACT III SCENE I: Half an hour later. Nightfall. SCENE II: Half an hour later.



BEFORE THE PLAY

The orchestra plays light tunes until the house lights are turned down; the curtain rises in darkness, accompanied by solemn music. A small light grows in the middle of the stage, and shows the LORD CHIEF JUSTICE sitting in judgment, wearing wig and red robes of office, in the Court of Criminal Appeal. His voice, cold and disapproving, gradually swells up with the light as he reaches his peroration.

LORD CHIEF JUSTICE: ... and there is no need to recapitulate here the arguments for and against this point of law, which we heard in the long and extremely fair summing up at the trial of the appellant at the Central Criminal Court. The case was clearly put to the jury; and it is against sentence of death for these two murders that the prisoner now appeals. Which means that the last stage of this important and extremely horrible case has now been reached. On a later page in the summing up, the learned judge said this ... (turning over papers) ... "This case has, through the demeanour of the prisoner in the witness-box, obtained the most widespread and scandalous publicity, which I would beg you most earnestly, members of the jury, to forget." I cannot help thinking that the deplorable atmosphere of sentimental melodrama which has pervaded this trial has made the theatre a more fitting background for it than a court of law; but we are in a court of law, nevertheless, and the facts have been placed before the court. A remarkable and in my opinion praiseworthy feature of the case has been that the sanity of the prisoner has never been called into question; and, like the learned judge, the Court must dismiss as mischievous pretence the attitude of this young man who stands convicted of two brutal murders in cold blood. This case has, from beginning to end, exhibited no feature calling for sympathy; the evidence has on every point been conclusive, and on this evidence the jury have convicted the appellant. In the opinion of the Court there is no reason to interfere with that conviction, and this appeal must be dismissed.

The chords of solemn music are heard again, and the stage gradually darkens. A few seconds later the music merges into the sound of church bells playing far away, and the lights come up on.



ACT I

_The sitting-room of Forest Corner_, MRS. BRAMSON'S _bungalow in a forest in Essex, A fine morning in October.

Centre back, a small hall; in its left side the front door of the house (throughout the play, "left" and "right" refer to the audience's left and right). Thick plush curtains can be drawn across the entrance to the hall; they are open at the moment. Windows, one on each side of the hall, with window-seats and net curtains beyond which can be glimpsed the pine-trees of the forest. In the left wall, upstage, a door leading to the kitchen. In the left wall, downstage, the fireplace; above it, a cretonne-covered sofa, next to a very solid cupboard built into the wall; below it a cane armchair. In the right wall, upstage, a door leading to MRS. BRAMSON'S bedroom. In the right wall, downstage, wide-open paned doors leading to the sun-room. Right downstage, next the sun-room, a large dining-table with four straight chairs round it. Between the bedroom and the sun-room, a desk with books on it, a cupboard below it, and a hanging mirror on the wall above. Above the bedroom, a corner medicine cupboard. Between the hall and the right window, an occasional table.

The bungalow is tawdry but cheerful; it is built entirely of wood, with an oil lamp fixed in the wall over the occasional table. The room is comfortably furnished, though in fussy and eccentric Victorian taste; stuffed birds, Highland cattle in oils, antimacassars, and wax fruit are unobtrusively in evidence. On the mantelpiece, an ornate chiming clock. The remains of breakfast on a tray on the table_.

MRS. BRAMSON _is sitting in a wheeled chair in the centre of the room. She is a fussy, discontented, common woman of fifty-five, old- fashioned both in clothes and coiffure_; NURSE LIBBY, _a kindly, matter-of-fact young north-country woman in district nurse's uniform, is sitting on the sofa, massaging one of her hands_. OLIVIA GRAYNE _sits on the old woman's right; holding a book; she is a subdued young woman of twenty-eight, her hair tied severely in a knot, wearing horn-rimmed spectacles; there is nothing in any way remarkable about her at the moment_. HUBERT LAURIE _is sitting in the armchair, scanning the "Daily Telegraph." He is thirty-five, moustached, hearty, and pompous, wearing plus fours and smoking a pipe.

A pause. The church bells die away_.

MRS. BRAMSON (sharply): Go on.

OLIVIA (reading): "... Lady Isabel humbly crossed her attenuated hands upon her chest. 'I am on my way to God,' she whispered, 'to answer for all my sins and sorrows.' 'Child,' said Miss Carlyle, 'had I anything to do with sending you from ...' (turning over) '... East Lynne?' Lady Isabel shook her head and cast down her gaze."

MRS. BRAMSON (aggressively): Now that's what I call a beautiful character.

NURSE: Very pretty. But the poor thing'd have felt that much better tucked up in 'ospital instead of lying about her own home gassing her 'ead off——

MRS. BRAMSON: Sh!

NURSE: Sorry.

OLIVIA (reading): "'Thank God,' inwardly breathed Miss Corny.... 'Forgive me,' she said loudly and in agitation. 'I want to see Archibald,' whispered Lady Isabel."

MRS. BRAMSON: You don't see many books like East Lynne about nowadays.

HUBERT: No, you don't.

OLIVIA (reading): "'I want to see Archibald,' whispered Lady Isabel. 'I have prayed Joyce to bring him to me, and she will not——'"

MRS. BRAMSON (sharply): Olivia!

OLIVIA: Yes, auntie?

MRS. BRAMSON (craftily): You're not skipping, are you?

OLIVIA: Am I?

MRS. BRAMSON: You've missed out about Lady Isabel taking up her cross and the weight of it killing her. I may be a fool, but I do know East Lynne.

OLIVIA: Perhaps there were two pages stuck together.

MRS. BRAMSON: Very convenient when you want your walk, eh? Yes, I am a fool, I suppose, as well as an invalid.

OLIVIA: But I thought you were so much better——

NURSE: You'd two helpings of bacon at breakfast, remember——

MRS. BRAMSON: Doctor's orders. You know every mouthful's agony to me.

HUBERT (deep in his paper): There's a man here in Weston-super- Mare who stood on his head for twenty minutes for a bet, and he hasn't come to yet.

MRS. BRAMSON (sharply): I thought this morning I'd never be able to face the day.

HUBERT: But last night when you opened the port——

MRS. BRAMSON: I've had a relapse since then. My heart's going like anything. Give me a chocolate.

OLIVIA rises and fetches her a chocolate from a large box on the table.

NURSE: How does it feel?

MRS. BRAMSON: Nasty. (Munching her chocolate.) I know it's neuritis.

NURSE: You know, Mrs. Bramson, what you want isn't massage at all, only exercise. Your body——

MRS. BRAMSON: Don't you dictate to me about my body. Nobody here understands my body or anything else about me. As for sympathy, I've forgotten the meaning of the word. (To OLIVIA) What's the matter with your face?

OLIVIA (startled): I—I really don't know.

MRS. BRAMSON: It's as long as my arm.

OLIVIA (drily): I'm afraid it's made like that.

She crosses the room, and comes back again.

MRS. BRAMSON: What are you walking up and down for? What's the matter with you? Aren't you happy here?

OLIVIA: It's a bit lonely, but I'll get used to it.

MRS. BRAMSON: Lonely? All these lovely woods? What are you talking about? Don't you like nature?

NURSE: Will that be all for to-day?

MRS. BRAMSON: I suppose it'll have to be.

NURSE (rising and taking her bag from the sofa): Well, I've that confined lady still waiting in Shepperley. (Going into the hall) Toodle-oo!

MRS. BRAMSON: Mind you call again Wednesday. In case my neuritis sets in again.

NURSE (turning in the hall): I will that. And if paralysis pops up, let me know. Toodle-oo!

She marches cheerily out of the front door.

MRS. BRAMSON cannot make up her mind if the last remark is sarcastic or not. She concentrates on OLIVIA.

MRS. BRAMSON: You know, you mustn't think just because this house is lonely you're going to get a rise in salary. Oh, no.... I expect you've an idea I'm worth a good bit of money, haven't you?... It isn't my money you're after, is it?

OLIVIA (setting chairs to rights round the table): I'm sorry, but my sense of humour can't stand the strain. I'll have to go.

MRS. BRAMSON: Can you afford to go?

OLIVIA (after a pause, controlling herself): You know I can't.

MRS. BRAMSON: Then don't talk such nonsense. Clear the breakfast things.

OLIVIA hesitates, then crosses to the kitchen door.

(Muttering): Sense of humour indeed, never heard of such a thing....

OLIVIA (at the door): Mrs. Terence, will you clear away?

She goes to the left window, and looks out.

MRS. BRAMSON: You wait, my girl. Pride comes before a fall. Won't catch a husband with your nose in the air, you know.

OLIVIA: I don't want a husband.

MRS. BRAMSON: Don't like men, I suppose? Never heard of them, I suppose? Don't believe you. See?

OLIVIA (resigned): I see. It's going to be a fine day.

MRS. BRAMSON (taking up "East Lynne" from the table): It'll cloud over, I expect.

OLIVIA: I don't think so. The trees look beautiful with the sun on them. Everything looks so clean. (Lifting up three books from the window seat) Shall I pack the other half of Mrs. Henry Wood?

MRS. BRAMSON: Mrs. Henry Wood? Who's Mrs. Henry Wood? Pack the other half of Mrs. Henry Wood? What are you talking about?

OLIVIA: She wrote your favourite book—East Lynne.

MRS. BRAMSON (looking at her book): Oh ... (Picking a paper out of it.) What's this? (Reading ponderously) A sonnet. "The flame of passion is not red but white, not quick but slow—"

OLIVIA (going to her and snatching it from her with a cry): Don't!

MRS. BRAMSON: Writing poetry! That's a hobby and a half, I must say! "Flame of passion ..." well!

OLIVIA (crossing to the fireplace): It's only a silly poem I amused myself with at college. It's not meant for anybody but me.

MRS. BRAMSON: You're a dark horse, you are.

MRS. TERENCE enters from the kitchen. She is the cook, middle-aged, Cockney, and fearless. She carries a bunch of roses.

MRS. TERENCE (grimly): Would you be wanting anything?

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes. Clear away.

MRS. TERENCE: That's Dora's job. Where's Dora?

OLIVIA: She's gone into the clearing for some firewood.

MRS. BRAMSON: You can't expect the girl to gather firewood with one hand and clear breakfast with the other. Clear away.

MRS. TERENCE (crossing to the table, under her breath): All right, you sour-faced old hag.

HUBERT drops his pipe. MRS. BRAMSON winces and looks away. MRS. TERENCE clears the table.

HUBERT (to OLIVIA): What—what was that she said?

MRS. TERENCE: She 'eard. And then she 'as to save 'er face and pretend she 'asn't. She knows nobody but me'd stay with 'er a day if I went.

MRS. BRAMSON: She oughtn't to talk to me like that. I know she steals my sugar.

MRS. TERENCE: That's a living lie. (Going round to her) Here are your roses.

MRS. BRAMSON: You've cut them too young. I knew you would.

MRS. TERENCE (taking up her tray and starting for the kitchen): Then you come out and pick the ones you want, and you'll only 'ave yourself to blame.

MRS. BRAMSON: That's a nice way to talk to an invalid.

MRS. TERENCE: If you're an invalid, I'm the Prince of Wales.

She goes back into the kitchen.

OLIVIA: Would you like me to read some more?

BRAMSON: No. I'm upset for the day now. I'd better see she does pick the right roses. (Wheeling herself, muttering) That woman's a menace. Good mind to bring an action against her. She ought to be put away.... (Shouting) Wait for me, wait for me!

Her voice dies away in the kitchen. The kitchen door closes. HUBERT and OLIVIA are alone.

OLIVIA: That's the fifth action she's threatened to bring this week. (She crosses to the right window.)

HUBERT: She's a good one to talk about putting away. Crikey! She'll be found murdered one of these days.... (Suddenly reading from his paper) "In India a population of three and a half hundred million is loyal to Britain; now——"

OLIVIA: Oh, Hubert! (Good humouredly) I thought I'd cured you of that.

HUBERT: Sorry.

OLIVIA: You've only had two weeks of her. I've had six.

A pause. She sighs restlessly.

HUBERT: Fed up?

OLIVIA: It's such a very inadequate expression, don't you think?... (After a pause) How bright the sun is to-day....

She is pensive, far-away, smiling.

HUBERT: A penny for 'em.

OLIVIA: I was just thinking ... I often wonder on a very fine morning what it'll be like ... for night to come. And I never can. And yet it's got to.... (Looking at his perplexed face) It is silly, isn't it?

DORA comes in from the kitchen with a duster and crosses towards the bedroom. She is a pretty, stupid, and rather sluttish country girl of twenty, wearing a maid's uniform. She looks depressed.

Who are those men, Dora?

DORA: What men, miss?

OLIVIA: Over there, behind the clearing.

DORA: Oh.... (Peering past her) Oh. 'Adn't seen them. What are they doing poking about in that bush?

OLIVIA (absently): I don't know. I saw them yesterday too, farther down the woods.

DORA (lamely): I expect they're looking for something.

She goes into the bedroom.

HUBERT: She looks a bit off-colour, doesn't she?

OLIVIA: The atmosphere must be getting her down too.

HUBERT: I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to stand it myself. Coming over here every day for another week.

OLIVIA (smiling): There's nothing to prevent you staying at home every day for another week ... is there?

HUBERT (still apparently reading his paper): Oh, yes, there is. What d'you think I invite myself to lunch every day for? You don't think it's the old geyser, do you?

OLIVIA (smiling): No.

She comes down to the table.

HUBERT: Don't want to sound rude, et cetera, but women don't get men proposing to them every day, you know ... (Turning over a page) Gosh, what a wizard machine—

OLIVIA (sitting at the left of the table): I can't think why you want to marry me, as a matter of fact. It isn't the same as if I were very pretty, or something.

HUBERT: You do say some jolly rum things, Olivia, upon my soul.

OLIVIA: I'll tell you why, then, if it makes you feel any better. You're cautious; and you want to marry me because I'm quiet. I'd make you a steady wife, and run a home for you.

HUBERT: There's nothing to be ashamed of in being steady. I'm steady myself.

OLIVIA: I know you are. HUBERT: Then why aren't you keen?

OLIVIA (after a pause, tolerant but weary): Because you're an unmitigated bore.

HUBERT: A bore? (Horrified) Me, a bore? Upon my word, Olivia, I think you're a bit eccentric, I do really. Sorry to be rude, and all that, but that's put the kybosh on it! People could call me a thing or two, but I've never been called a bore!

OLIVIA: Bores never are. People are too bored with them to call them anything.

HUBERT: I suppose you'd be more likely to say "Yes" if I were an unmitigated bounder?

OLIVIA (with a laugh): Oh, don't be silly....

HUBERT (going to her): You're a rum girl, Olivia, upon my soul you are. P'raps that's why I think you're so jolly attractive. Like a mouse one minute, and then this straight-from-the-shoulder business.... What is a sonnet?

OLIVIA: It's a poem of fourteen lines.

HUBERT: Oh, yes, Shakespeare.... Never knew you did a spot of rhyming, Olivia! Now that's what I mean about you.... We'll have to start calling you Elizabeth Bronte!

She turns away. He studies her.

You are bored, aren't you?

He walks to the sun-room. She rouses herself and turns to him impetuously.

OLIVIA: I'm being silly, I know—of course I ought to get married, and of course this is a wonderful chance, and—HUBERT (moving to her): Good egg! Then you will? OLIVIA (stalling): Give me a—another week or two—will you?

HUBERT: Oh. My holiday's up on the twenty-seventh.

OLIVIA: I know I'm being tiresome, but—

MRS. BRAMSON (in the kitchen): The most disgraceful thing I've ever heard—

HUBERT: She's coming back....

OLIVIA rises and goes to the right window. HUBERT hurries into the sun-room. MRS. BRAMSON is wheeled back from the kitchen by MRS. TERENCE, to the centre of the room. She (MRS. BRAMSON) has found the pretext for the scene she has been longing to make since she got up this morning.

MRS. BRAMSON: Fetch that girl here. This minute.

MRS. TERENCE: Oh, leave the child alone.

MRS. BRAMSON: Leave her alone, the little sneak-thief? Fetch her here.

MRS. TERENCE (at the top of her voice): Dora! (Opening the front door and calling into the trees) Dora!

OLIVIA: What's Dora done now?

MRS. BRAMSON: Broken three of my Crown Derby, that's all. Thought if she planted them in the rose-bed I wouldn't be well enough ever to see them, I suppose. Well, I have seen.

MRS. TERENCE (crossing and calling to the bedroom): You're wanted.

DORA'S VOICE: What for?

MRS. TERENCE: She wants to kiss you good morning, what d'you think....

She collects the table-cloth, fetches a vase from the mantelpiece, and goes into the kitchen. DORA enters gingerly from the bedroom, carrying a cup and saucer on a tray.

DORA: Did you want me, mum?

MRS. BRAMSON: Crown Derby to you, my girl.

DORA (uncertain): Beg pardon, mum?

MRS. BRAMSON: I suppose you think that china came from Marks and Spencer?

DORA: Oh.... (Snivelling) Oh ... oh ...

OLIVIA (coming between DORA and MRS. BRAMSON): Come along, Dora, it's not as bad as all that.

DORA: Oh, yes, it is.... Oh....

MRS. BRAMSON: You can leave, that's all. You can leave.

Appalled, DORA drops the tray and breaks the saucer.

That settles it. Now you'll have to leave.

DORA (with a cry): Oh, please I ... (Kneeling, and collecting broken china) Oh, ma'am—I'm not meself, you see.... (Snivelling) I'm in a terrible trouble....

MRS. BRAMSON: Have you been stealing?

DORA (shocked): Oh, no!

OLIVIA (after a pause): Are you going to have a baby?

After a pause, DORA nods.

DORA (putting the china in her apron): The idea of me stealing.... I do go to Sunday school, anyways....

MRS. BRAMSON: So that's the game. Wouldn't think butter would melt in her mouth.... You'll have to go, of course; I can't have that sort of thing in this house—and stop squeaking! You'll bring my heart on again. It's all this modern life. I've always said so. All these films and rubbish.

OLIVIA: My dear auntie, you can't have a baby by just sitting in the pictures.

MRS. BRAMSON: Go away, and don't interfere.

OLIVIA _goes to the left window_. DORA _rises.

(Triumphantly_) So you're going to have a child. When?

DORA (sniffling): Last August Bank Holiday....

MRS. BRAMSON: What?... Oh!

DORA: I 'aven't got a penny only what I earn—and if I lose my job 'ere—

MRS. BRAMSON: He'll have to marry you.

DORA: Oh, I don't think he's keen....

MRS. BRAMSON: I'll make him keen. Who is the gentleman?

DORA: A boy I know; Dan his name is—'leas' 'e's not a gentleman. He's a page-boy at the Tallboys.

MRS. BRAMSON: The Tallboys? D'you mean that new-fangled place all awnings and loud speakers and things?

DORA: That's right. On the by-pass.

MRS. BRAMSON: Just the nice ripe sort of place for mischief, it always looked to me. All those lanterns.... What's his character, the good- for-nothing scoundrel?

DORA: Oh, he's nice, really. He done the wrong thing by me, but he's all right, if you know what I mean....

MRS. BRAMSON: No, I don't. Where does he come from?

DORA: He's sort of Welsh, I think. 'E's been to sea, too. He's funny, of course. Ever so open. Baby-face they call him. Though I never seem to get 'old of what 'e's thinking, somehow—

MRS. BRAMSON: I'll get hold of what he's thinking, all right. I've had my knife into that sort ever since I was a girl.

DORA: Oh, mum, if I got him to let you speak to him—d'you think I could stay on?

MRS. BRAMSON (after a pause): If he marries you at once.

DORA: Shall I—(Eagerly) As a matter of fact, ma'am, he's gone on a message on his bicycle to Payley Hill this morning, and he said he might pop in to see me on the way back—

MRS. BRAMSON: That's right; nothing like visitors to brighten your mornings, eh? I'll deal with him.

DORA: Yes.... (Going, and turning at the kitchen door—in impulsive relief) Oh, ma'am—

MRS. BRAMSON: And I'll stop the Crown Derby out of your wages.

DORA (crestfallen): Oh!

MRS. BRAMSON: What were you going to say?

DORA: Well, ma'am, I was going to say I don't know how to thank you for your generosity....

She goes into the kitchen. The clock chimes.

MRS. BRAMSON: Olivia!

OLIVIA: Yes, auntie?

MRS. BRAMSON: You've forgotten again. Medicine's overdue. Most important.

OLIVIA crosses to the medicine cupboard and fetches the medicine. MRS. TERENCE comes in from the kitchen with a vase of flowers and barges between the sofa and the wheelchair.

MRS. TERENCE (muttering): All this furniture ...

MRS. BRAMSON (to her): Did you know she's having a baby?

MRS. TERENCE (coldly): She did mention it in conversation.

MRS. BRAMSON: Playing with fire, that's the game nowadays.

MRS. TERENCE (arranging flowers as OLIVIA gives MRS. BRAMSON her medicine): Playing with fiddlesticks. We're only young once; that 'ot summer too. She's been a fool, but she's no criminal. And, talking of criminals, there's a p'liceman at the kitchen door.

MRS. BRAMSON: A what?

MRS. TERENCE: A p'liceman. A bobby.

MRS. BRAMSON: What does he want?

MRS. TERENCE: Better ask 'im. I know my conscience is clear; I don't know about other people's.

MRS. BRAMSON: But I've never had a policeman coming to see me before!

DORA runs in from the kitchen.

DORA (terrified): There's a man there! From the p'lice! 'E said something about the Tallboys! 'E—'e 'asn't come about me, 'as 'e?

MRS. TERENCE: Of course he 'asn't—

MRS. BRAMSON: He may have.

MRS. TERENCE: Don't frighten the girl; she's simple enough now.

MRS. BRAMSON (sharply); It's against the law, what she's done, isn't it? (To DORA) Go back in there till he sends for you.

DORA creeps back into the kitchen.

OLIVIA (at the left window): He isn't a policeman, as a matter of fact. He must be a plain-clothes man.

MRS. TERENCE (sardonically): Scotland Yard, I should think.

BELSIZE is seen outside, crossing the left window to the front door.

MRS. BRAMSON: That place in those detective books? Don't be so silly.

MRS. TERENCE: He says he wants to see you very particular—

_A sharp rat-tat at the front door.

(Going to the hall_) On a very particular matter.... (_Turning on_ MRS. BRAMSON) And don't you start callin' _me_ silly!

Going to the front door, and opening it.

This way, sir....

BELSIZE enters, followed by MRS. TERENCE. He is an entirely inconspicuous man of fifty, dressed in tweeds: his suavity hides any amount of strength.

BELSIZE: Mrs. Bramson? I'm sorry to break in on you like this. My card ....

MRS. BRAMSON (taking it, sarcastically): I suppose you're going to tell me you're from Scotland Ya—(She sees the name on the card.)

BELSIZE: I see you've all your wits about you!

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh. (Reading incredulously) Criminal Investigation Department!

BELSIZE (smiling): A purely informal visit, I assure you.

MRS. BRAMSON: I don't like having people in my house that I don't know.

BELSIZE (the velvet glove): I'm afraid the law sometimes makes it necessary.

MRS. TERENCE gives him a chair next the table. He sits. MRS. TERENCE stands behind the table.

MRS. BRAMSON (to her): You can go.

MRS. TERENCE: I don't want to go. I might 'ave to be arrested for stealing sugar.

BELSIZE: Sugar?... As a matter of fact, you might be useful. Any of you may be useful. Mind my pipe?

MRS. BRAMSON blows in disgust and waves her hand before her face.

MRS. BRAMSON: Is it about my maid having an illegitimate child?

BELSIZE: I beg your pardon?... Oh no! That sort of thing's hardly in my line, thank God ... Lonely spot ... (To MRS. TERENCE) Long way for you to walk every day, isn't it?

MRS. TERENCE: I don't walk. I cycle.

BELSIZE: Oh.

MRS. BRAMSON: What's the matter?

BELSIZE: I just thought if she walked she might use some of the paths, and have seen—something.

(Note: The following pair of lines are spoken simultaneously.)

MRS. BRAMSON: Something of what?

MRS. TERENCE: Something?

BELSIZE: I'll tell you. I—

_A piano is heard in the sun-room, playing the "Merry Widow" waltz.

(Casually_) Other people in the house?

MRS. BRAMSON (calling shrilly): Mr. Laurie!

The piano stops.

HUBERT'S VOICE (as the piano stops, in the sun-room): Yes?

MRS. BRAMSON (to OLIVIA, sourly): Did you ask him to play the piano?

HUBERT comes back from the sun-room.

HUBERT (breezily): Hello, house on fire or something?

MRS. BRAMSON: Very nearly. This is Mr.—er—Bel—

BELSIZE: Belsize.

MRS. BRAMSON (drily): Of Scotland Yard.

HUBERT: Oh.... (Apprehensive) It isn't about my car, is it?

BELSIZE: No.

HUBERT: Oh. (Shaking hands affably) How do you do?

BELSIZE: How do you do, sir....

MRS. BRAMSON: He's a friend of Miss Grayne's here. Keeps calling.

BELSIZE: Been calling long?

MRS. BRAMSON: Every day for two weeks. Just before lunch.

HUBERT: Well—

OLIVIA (sitting on the sofa): Perhaps I'd better introduce myself. I'm Olivia Grayne, Mrs. Bramson's niece. I work for her.

BELSIZE: Oh, I see. Thanks. Well now ...

HUBERT (sitting at the table, effusively): I know a chap on the Stock Exchange who was taken last year and shown over the Black Museum at Scotland Yard.

BELSIZE (politely): Really—

MRS. BRAMSON: And what d'you expect the policeman to do about it?

HUBERT: Well, it was very interesting, he said. Bit ghoulish, of course—

BELSIZE: I expect so.... (Getting down to business) Now I wonder if any of you've seen anything in the least out of the ordinary round here lately? Anybody called—anybody strange wandering about in the woods—overheard anything?

They look at one another.

MRS. BRAMSON: The only visitor's been the doctor—and the district nurse.

MRS. TERENCE: Been ever so gay.

HUBERT: As a matter of fact, funny thing did happen to me. Tuesday afternoon it was, I remember now.

BELSIZE: Oh?

HUBERT (graphically): I was walking back to my cottage from golf, and I heard something moving stealthily behind a tree, or a bush, or something.

BELSIZE (interested): Oh, yes?

HUBERT: Turned out to be a squirrel.

MRS. BRAMSON (in disgust): Oh!...

HUBERT: No bigger than my hand! Funny thing to happen, I thought.

BELSIZE: Very funny. Anything else?

HUBERT: Not a thing. By Jove, fancy walking in the woods and stumbling over a dead body! Most embarrassing!

MRS. TERENCE: I've stumbled over bodies in them woods afore now. But they wasn't dead. Oh, no.

MRS. BRAMSON: Say what you know, and don't talk so much.

MRS. TERENCE: Well, I've told 'im all I've seen. A bit o' love now and again. Though 'ow they make do with all them pine-needles beats me.

BELSIZE: Anything else?

MRS. BRAMSON: Miss Grayne's always moping round the woods. Perhaps she can tell you something.

OLIVIA: I haven't seen anything, I'm afraid.... Oh—I saw some men beating the undergrowth—

BELSIZE: Yes, I'm coming to that. But no tramps, for instance?

OLIVIA: N-no, I don't think so.

HUBERT: "Always carry a stick's" my motto. I'd like to see a tramp try anything on with me. Ah-ha! Swish!

MRS. BRAMSON: What's all the fuss about? Has there been a robbery or something?

BELSIZE: There's a lady missing.

MRS. TERENCE: Where from?

BELSIZE: The Tallboys.

MRS. BRAMSON: That Tallboys again—

BELSIZE: A Mrs. Chalfont.

MRS. TERENCE: Chalfont? Oh, yes! Dyed platinum blonde—widow of a colonel, so she says, livin' alone, so she says, always wearin' them faldalaldy openwork stockings. Fond of a drop too. That's 'er.

HUBERT: Why, d'you know her?

MRS. TERENCE: Never set eyes on 'er. But you know how people talk. Partial to that there, too, I'm told.

MRS. BRAMSON: What's that there?

MRS. TERENCE: Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies.

BELSIZE (quickly): Well, anyway ... Mrs. Chalfont left the Tallboys last Friday afternoon, without a hat, went for a walk through the woods in this direction, and has never been seen since.

He makes his effect.

MRS. BRAMSON: I expect she was so drunk she fell flat and never came to.

BELSIZE: We've had the woods pretty well thrashed. (To OLIVIA) Those would be the men you saw. Now she was ... HUBERT (taking the floor): She may have had a brain-storm, you know, and taken a train somewhere. That's not uncommon, you know, among people of her sort. (Airing knowledge) And if what we gather from our friend here's true—and she's both a dipsomaniac and a nymphomaniac—

MRS. BRAMSON: Hark at the walking dictionary!

BELSIZE: We found her bag in her room; and maniacs can't get far without cash ... however dipso or nympho they may be....

HUBERT: Oh.

BELSIZE: She was a very flashy type of wo—she is a flashy type, I should say. At least I hope I should say ...

MRS. BRAMSON: What d'you mean? Why d'you hope?

BELSIZE: Well ...

OLIVIA: You don't mean she may be ... she mayn't be alive?

BELSIZE: It's possible.

MRS. BRAMSON: You'll be saying she's been murdered next!

BELSIZE: That's been known.

MRS. BRAMSON: Lot of stuff and nonsense. From a policeman too. Anybody'd think you'd been brought up on penny dreadfuls.

OLIVIA turns and goes to the window.

BELSIZE (to MRS. BRAMSON): Did you see about the fellow being hanged for the Ipswich murder? In last night's papers?

MRS. BRAMSON: I've lived long enough not to believe the papers.

BELSIZE: They occasionally print facts. And murder's occasionally a fact.

HUBERT: Everybody likes a good murder, as the saying goes! Remember those trials in the Evening Standard last year? Jolly interesting. I followed—

BELSIZE (rising): I'd be very grateful if you'd all keep your eyes and ears open, just in case ... (Shaking hands) Good morning ... good morning ... good morning, Mrs. Bramson. I must apologise again for intruding—

He turns to OLIVIA, who is still looking out of the window.

Good morning, Miss ... er ...

A pause.

OLIVIA (starting): I'm so sorry.

BELSIZE: Had you remembered something? OLIVIA: Oh, no....

MRS. BRAMSON: What were you thinking, then?

OLIVIA: Only how ... strange it is.

BELSIZE: What?

OLIVIA: Well, here we all are, perfectly ordinary English people. We woke up ... no, it's silly.

MRS. BRAMSON: Of course it's silly.

BELSIZE (giving MRS. BRAMSON an impatient look): No, go on. OLIVIA: Well, we woke up this morning, thinking, "Here's another day." We got up, looked at the weather, and talked; and here we all are, still talking.... And all that time——

MRS. BRAMSON: My dear girl, who are you to expect a policeman——

BELSIZE (quelling her sternly): If you please! I want to hear what she's got to say. (To OLIVIA) Well?

OLIVIA: All that time ... there may be something ... lying in the woods. Hidden under a bush, with two feet just showing. Perhaps one high heel catching the sunlight, with a bird perched on the end of it; and the other—a stockinged foot, with blood ... that's dried into the openwork stocking. And there's a man walking about somewhere, and talking, like us; and he woke up this morning, and looked at the weather. ... And he killed her.... (Smiling, looking out of the window) The cat doesn't believe a word of it, anyhow. It's just walking away.

MRS. BRAMSON: Well!

MRS. TERENCE: Ooh, Miss Grayne, you give me the creeps! I'm glad it is morning, that's all I can say....

BELSIZE: I don't think the lady can quite describe herself as ordinary, after that little flight of fancy!

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh, that's nothing; she writes poetry. Jingle jingle—

BELSIZE: I can only hope she's wrong, or it'll mean a nice job of work for us! ... Well, if anything funny happens, nip along to Shepperley police station. Pity you're not on the 'phone. Good morning.... Good morning....

MRS. TERENCE: This way....

She follows BELSIZE into the hall.

BELSIZE: No, don't bother.... Good morning.

He goes out. MRS. TERENCE shuts the door after him.

MRS. BRAMSON (to HUBERT): What are you staring at?

HUBERT (crossing to the fireplace): Funny, I can't get out of my mind what Olivia said about the man being somewhere who's done it.

MRS. TERENCE (coming into the room): Why, Mr. Laurie, it might be you! After all, there's nothing in your face that proves it isn't!

HUBERT: Oh, come, come! You're being a bit hard on the old countenance, aren't you?

MRS. TERENCE: Well, 'e's not going to walk about with bloodshot eyes and a snarl all over his face, is he?

She goes into the kitchen.

HUBERT: That's true enough.

MRS. BRAMSON: Missing woman indeed! She's more likely than not at this very moment sitting in some saloon bar. Or the films, I shouldn't wonder. (To OLIVIA) pass me my wool, will you....

OLIVIA crosses to the desk. A knock at the kitchen door: DORA appears, cautiously.

DORA: Was it about me?

OLIVIA: Of course it wasn't.

DORA (relieved): Oh.... Please, mum, 'e's 'ere.

MRS. BRAMSON: Who?

DORA: My boy fr—my gentleman friend, ma'am, from the Tallboys.

MRS. BRAMSON: I'm ready for him. (Waving aside the wool which OLIVIA brings to her) The sooner he's made to realise what his duty is, the better. I'll give him baby-face!

DORA: Thank you, ma'am.

She goes out through the front door.

HUBERT: What gentleman? What duty?

OLIVIA: The maid's going to have a baby. (She crosses and puts the wool in the cupboard of the desk.)

HUBERT: Is she, by Jove!... Don't look at me like that, Mrs. Bramson! I've only been in the county two weeks.... But is he from the Tallboys?

MRS. BRAMSON: A page-boy or something of the sort.

DORA _comes back to the front door, looks back, and beckons. She is followed by_ DAN, _who saunters past her into the room. He is a young fellow wearing a blue pill-box hat, uniform trousers, a jacket too small for him, and bicycle-clips: the stub of a cigarette dangles between his lips. He speaks with a rough accent, indeterminate, but more Welsh than anything else.

His personality varies very considerably as the play proceeds: the impression he gives at the moment is one of totally disarming good humour and childlike unself-consciousness. It would need a very close observer to suspect that there is something wrong somewhere—that this personality is completely assumed._ DORA _shuts the front door and comes to the back of the sofa._

MRS. BRAMSON (sternly): Well?

DAN (saluting): Mornin', all!

MRS. BRAMSON: So you're Baby-face?

DAN: That's me. (Grinning.) Silly name, isn't it? (After a pause.) I must apologise to all and sundry for this fancy dress, but it's my working togs. I been on duty this mornin', and my hands isn't very clean. You see, I didn't know as it was going to be a party.

MRS. BRAMSON: Party?

DAN (looking at OLIVIA): Well, it's ladies, isn't it?

HUBERT: Are you shy with ladies?

DAN (smiling at OLIVIA): Oh, yes.

OLIVIA moves away coldly. DAN turns to MRS. BRAMSON.

MRS. BRAMSON (cutting): You smoke, I see.

DAN: Yes. (Taking the stub out of his mouth with alacrity and taking off his hat) Oh, I'm sorry. I always forget my manners with a cigarette when I'm in company.... (Pushing the stub behind his ear, as OLIVIA crosses to the armchair) I always been clumsy in people's houses. I am sorry.

MRS. BRAMSON: You know my maid, Dora Parkoe, I believe?

DAN: Well, we have met, yes ... (with a grin at DORA).

MRS. BRAMSON (to DORA): Go away!

DORA creeps back into the kitchen.

You walked out with her last August Bank Holiday?

DAN: Yes.... Excuse me smiling, but it sounds funny when you put it like that, doesn't it?

MRS. BRAMSON: You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

DAN (soberly): Oh, I am.

MRS. BRAMSON: How did it happen?

DAN (embarrassed): Well ... we went ... did you have a nice bank holiday?

MRS. BRAMSON: Answer my question!

HUBERT: Were you in love with the wench?

DAN: Oh, yes!

MRS. BRAMSON (triumphantly): When did you first meet her?

DAN: Er—bank holiday morning.

MRS. BRAMSON: Picked her up, I suppose?

DAN: Oh, no, I didn't pick her up! I asked her for a match, and then I took her for a bit of a walk, to take her mind off her work—

HUBERT: You seem to have succeeded.

DAN (smiling at him, then catching MRS. BRAMSON's eye): I've thought about it a good bit since, I can tell you. Though it's a bit awkward talking about it in front of strangers; though you all look very nice people; but it is a bit awkward—

HUBERT: I should jolly well think it is awkward for a chap! Though of course, never having been in the same jam myself—

MRS. BRAMSON: I haven't finished with him yet.

HUBERT: In that case I'm going for my stroll ...

He makes for the door to the hall.

OLIVIA: You work at the Tallboys, don't you?

DAN: Yes, miss. (Grinning) Twenty-four hours a day, miss.

HUBERT (coming to DAN'S left): Then perhaps you can tell us something about the female who's been murdered?—

An unaccountable pause. DAN looks slowly from OLIVIA to HUBERT, and back again.

Well, can you tell us? You know there was a Mrs. Chalfont staying at the Tallboys who went off one day?

DAN: Yes.

HUBERT: And nobody's seen her since?

DAN: I know.

MRS. BRAMSON: What's she like?

DAN (to MRS. BRAMSON): But I thought you said—or somebody said—something about—a murder?

HUBERT: Oh, we don'tknow, of course, but there might have been, mightn't there?

DAN (suddenly effusive): Yes, there might have been, yes!

HUBERT: Ever seen her?

DAN: Oh, yes. I used to take cigarettes an' drinks for her.

MRS. BRAMSON (impatiently): What's she like?

DAN: What's she like?... (To MRS. BRAMSON)—She's ... on the tall side. Thin ankles, with one o' them bracelets on one of 'em. (Looking at OLIVIA) Fair hair—

A sudden thought seems to arrest him. He goes on looking at OLIVIA.

MRS. BRAMSON: Well? Go on!

DAN (after a pause, in a level voice): Thin eyebrows, with white marks, where they was pulled out ... to be in the fashion, you know.... Her mouth ... a bit thin as well, with red stuff painted round it, to make it look more; you can rub it off ... I suppose. Her neck ... rather thick. Laughs a bit loud; and then it stops. (After a pause) She's ... very lively. (With a quick smile that dispels the atmosphere he has unaccountably created) You can't say I don't keep my eyes skinned, can you?

HUBERT: I should say you do! A living portrait, if ever there was one, what? Now—

MRS. BRAMSON (pointedly): Weren't you going for a walk?

HUBERT: So I was, by Jove! Well, I'll charge off. Bye-bye.

He goes out of the front door.

OLIVIA (her manner faintly hostile): You're very observant.

DAN: Well, the ladies, you know ...

MRS. BRAMSON: If he weren't so observant, that Dora mightn't be in the flummox she is now.

DAN (cheerfully): That's true, ma'am.

OLIVIA (rising): You don't sound very repentant.

DAN (as she crosses, stiffly): Well, what's done's done's my motto, isn't it?

She goes into the sun-room. He makes a grimace after her and holds his left hand out, the thumb pointing downwards.

MRS. BRAMSON: And what does that mean?

DAN: She's a nice bit of ice for next summer, isn't she?

MRS. BRAMSON: You're a proper one to talk about next summer, when Dora there'll be up hill and down dale with a perambulator. Now look here, young man, immorality—

MRS. TERENCE comes in from the kitchen.

MRS. TERENCE: The butcher wants paying. And 'e says there's men ferreting at the bottom of the garden looking for that Mrs. Chalfont and do you know about it.

MRS. BRAMSON (furious): Well, they won't ferret long, not among my pampas grass!... (Calling) Olivia!... Oh, that girl's never there. (Wheeling herself furiously towards the kitchen as MRS. TERENCE makes a move to help her) Leave me alone. I don't want to be pushed into the nettles to-day, thank you ... (Shouting loudly as she disappears into the kitchen) Come out of my garden, you! Come out!

MRS. TERENCE (looking towards the kitchen as DAN takes the stub from behind his ear and lights it): Won't let me pay the butcher, so I won't know where she keeps 'er purse; but I do know, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!

DAN (going to her and jabbing her playfully in the arm): They say down at the Tallboys she's got enough inside of 'er purse, too. MRS. TERENCE: Well, nobody's seen it open. If you 'ave a peep inside, young fellow, you'll go down in 'istory, that's what you'll do ... (Dan salutes her. She sniffs) Something's boiling over.

She rushes back into the kitchen as OLIVIA comes back from the sun-room.

OLIVIA: Did Mrs. Bramson call me, do you know?

A pause. He surveys her from under drooping lids, rolling his cigarette on his lower lip.

DAN: I'm sorry, I don't know your name.

OLIVIA: Oh....

She senses his insolence, goes self-consciously to the desk and takes out the wool.

DAN: Not much doin' round here for a girl, is there?

No answer.

It is not a very entertaining quarter of the world for a young lady, is it?

He gives it up as a bad job. DORA comes in from the kitchen.

DORA (eagerly): What did she ... (confused, seeing OLIVIA) Oh, beg pardon, miss....

She hurries back into the kitchen. DAN jerks head after her with a laugh and looks at OLIVIA.

OLIVIA (arranging wool at the table): I'm not a snob, but, in case you ever call here again, I'd like to point out that though I'm employed by my aunt, I'm not quite in Dora's position.

DAN: Oh, I hope not ... (She turns away, confused. He moves to her.) Though I'll be putting it all right for Dora. I'm going to marry her. And—

OLIVIA (coldly): I don't believe you.

DAN (after a pause): You don't like me, do you?

OLIVIA: No.

DAN (with a smile): Well, everybody else does!

OLIVIA (absorbed in her wool-sorting): Your eyes are set quite wide apart, your hands are quite good ... I don't really know what's wrong with you.

DAN looks at his outspread hands. A pause. He breaks it, and goes nearer to her.

DAN (persuasively): You know, I've been looking at you too. You're lonely, aren't you? I could see—

OLIVIA: I'm sorry, it's a waste of time doing your stuff with me. I'm not the type. (Crossing to the desk and turning suddenly to him) Are you playing up to Mrs. Bramson?

DAN: Playin' up?

OLIVIA: It crossed my mind for a minute. You stand a pretty poor chance there, you know.

DAN (after a pause, smiling): What d'you bet me?

OLIVIA turns from him, annoyed, and puts the wool away.

MRS. BRAMSON careers in from the kitchen in her chair.

MRS. BRAMSON: They say they've got permits to look for that silly woman—who are they, I'd like to know? If there's anything I hate, it's these men who think they've got authority.

OLIVIA: I don't think they're quite as bad as men who think they've got charm.

She goes back into the sun-room. DAN whistles.

MRS. BRAMSON: What did she mean by that?

DAN: Well, it's no good her thinkin' she's got any, is it?

MRS. BRAMSON (sternly). Now, young man, what about Dora? I—

DAN: Wait a minute ... (Putting his hat on the table and going to her) Are you sure you're comfortable like that? Don't you think, Mrs. Bramson, you ought to be facin' ... a wee bit more this side, towards the sun more, eh? (He moves her chair round till she is in the centre of the room, facing the sun-room) You're looking pale, you know. (As she stares at him, putting the stub in an ashtray on the table) I am sorry. Excuse rudeness ... Another thing, Mrs. Bramson—you don't mind me sayin' it, do you?—but you ought to have a rug, you know. This October weather's very treacherous.

MRS. BRAMSON (blinking): Pale? Did you say pale?

DAN: Washed out. (His wiles fully turned on, but not overdone in the slightest) The minute I saw you just now, I said to myself, now there's a lady that's got a lot to contend with.

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh ... Well, I have. Nobody knows it better than me.

DAN: No, I'm sure ... Oh, it must be terrible to watch everybody else striding up and down enjoying everything, and to see everybody tasting the fruit—

As she looks at him, appreciation of what he is saying grows visibly in her face.

I'm sorry ... (Diffidently) I didn't ha' ought to say that.

MRS. BRAMSON: But it's true! As true as you are my witness, and nobody else—(Pulling herself together) Now look here, about that girl—

DAN: Excuse me a minute.... (Examining her throat, like a doctor) Would you mind sayin' something?

MRS. BRAMSON (taken aback): What d'you want me to say?

DAN: Yes ...

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes. What?

DAN: There's a funny twitching in your neck when you talk—very slight, of course—nerves, I expect—But I hope your doctor knows all about it ... D'you mind if I ask what your ailments are?

MRS. BRAMSON: ... Hadn't you better sit down?

DAN (sitting): Thank you.

MRS. BRAMSON: Well, I have the most terrible palpitations. I—

DAN: Palpitations! (Whistling.) But the way you get about!

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh?

DAN: It's a pretty bad thing to have, you know. D'you know that nine women out of ten in your position'd be just sittin' down givin' way?

MRS. BRAMSON: Would they?

DAN: Yes, they would! I do know, as a matter of fact. I've known people with palpitations. Somebody very close to me ... (After a pause, soberly) They're dead now ...

MRS. BRAMSON (startled): Oh!

DAN: My mother, as a matter of fact ...

With finely controlled emotion, practically indistinguishable from the real thing.

I can just remember her.

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh?

DAN: She died when I was six. I know that, because my dad died two years before that.

MRS. BRAMSON (vaguely): Oh.

DAN (studying her): As a matter o' fact—

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes?

DAN: Oh, no, it's a daft thing—

MRS. BRAMSON (the old tart note creeping back): Come along now! Out with it!

DAN: It's only fancy, I suppose ... but ... you remind me a bit of her.

MRS. BRAMSON: Of your mother? (As he nods simply, her sentimentality stirring) Oh ...

DAN: Have you got a son?

MRS. BRAMSON (self-pityingly): I haven't anybody at all.

DAN: Oh ... But I don't like to talk too much about my mother. (Putting a finger unobtrusively to his eye) Makes me feel ... sort of sad ... (With a sudden thought) She had the same eyes very wide apart as you, and—and the same very good hands.

MRS. BRAMSON (looking interestedly at her fingers): Oh?... And the same palpitations?

DAN: And the same palpitations. You don't mind me talking about your health, do you?

MRS. BRAMSON: No.

DAN: Well, d'you know, you ought to get used to letting other people do things for you.

MRS. BRAMSON (a great truth dawning on her): Yes!

DAN: You ought to be very careful.

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes! (After a pause, eyeing him as he smiles at her) You're a funny boy to be a page-boy.

DAN (shyly): D'you think so?

MRS. BRAMSON: Well, now I come to talk to you, you seem so much better class—I mean, you know so much of the world—

DAN: I've knocked about a good bit, you know. Never had any advantages, but I always tried to do the right thing.

MRS. BRAMSON (patronisingly): I think you deserve better— (sharply again) Talking of the right thing, what about Dora?

DAN (disarming): Oh, I know I'm to blame; I'm not much of a chap, but I'd put things straight like a shot if I had any money ... But, you see, I work at the Tallboys, get thirty bob a week, with tips—but listen to me botherin' you with my worries and rubbish the state you're in ... well!

MRS. BRAMSON: No, I can stand it.

OLIVIA comes back from the sun-room.

(Pursing her lips, reflectively) I've taken a liking to you.

DAN: Well ... (looking round at OLIVIA) That's very kind of you, Mrs. Bramson ...

MRS. BRAMSON: It's the way you talked about your mother. That's what it was.

DAN: Was it?

OLIVIA (at the left window): Shall I pack these books?

DAN (going to her with alacrity, taking the parcel from her): I'll post them for you.

OLIVIA: Oh ...

DAN: I'm passing Shepperley post office on the bike before post time to-morrow morning. With pleasure!

MRS. BRAMSON: Have you got to go back?

DAN: Now? Well, no, not really ... I've finished on duty now I done that errand, and this is my half day.

MRS. BRAMSON (imperiously): Stay to lunch.

DAN (apparently taken aback, after a look at OLIVIA): Well—I don't like to impose myself—

MRS. BRAMSON: In the kitchen, of course.

DAN: Oh, I know—

MRS. BRAMSON: There's plenty of food! Stay to lunch!

DAN: Well—I don't know ... all right, so long as you let me help a bit this morning ... Don't you want some string for this? Where's it kep'?

MRS. BRAMSON: That woman knows. In the kitchen somewhere.

DAN: Through here?

He tosses the books on the sofa and hurries into the kitchen. MRS. BRAMSON holds out her hands and studies them with a new interest.

MRS. BRAMSON: That boy's got understanding.

OLIVIA: Enough to marry Dora?

MRS. BRAMSON: You ought to learn to be a little less bitter, my dear. Never hook a man if you don't. With him and that Dora, I'm not so sure it wasn't six of one and half a dozen of the other. I know human nature, and, mark my word, that boy's going to do big things.

A scurry in the garden. MRS. TERENCE rushes in from the front door, madly excited.

MRS. TERENCE: The paper-boy's at the back gate, and says there's a placard in Shepperley, and it's got "News of the World—Shepperley Mystery" on it!

MRS. BRAMSON: What!

OLIVIA: They've got it in the papers!

MRS. TERENCE: They've got it in the papers! D'ye want any? (Beside herself.)

MRS. BRAMSON: Catch him quick!

MRS. TERENCE: First time I ever 'eard of Shepperley being in print before—hi!

She races out of the front door.

MRS. BRAMSON: Running around the house shouting like a lunatic! Sensation mad! Silly woman!

DORA runs in from kitchen.

DORA: They've got it in the papers!

MRS. BRAMSON: Go away!

MRS. TERENCE (off): I've bought three!

MRS. BRAMSON (shouting): Be QUIET!

MRS. TERENCE runs back with three Sunday newspapers and gives one to OLIVIA and one to MRS. BRAMSON.

OLIVIA (sitting left of the table): I expect it is a bit of an event.

MRS. TERENCE (leaning over the table, searching in her paper): 'E says they're sellin' like ninepins—

MRS. BRAMSON (turning pages over, impatiently): Where is it?...

MRS. TERENCE: Oh, I expect it's nothing after all....

OLIVIA: Here it is.... (Reading) "Disappeared mysteriously ... woods round the village being searched" ... then her description ... tall ... blonde....

MRS. TERENCE: Blonde? I should think she is ... I can't find it!

OLIVIA: Here's something ... "A keeper in the Shepperley woods was closely questioned late last night, but he had heard nothing, beyond a woman's voice in the woods on the afternoon in question, and a man's voice, probably with her, singing 'Mighty Lak a Rose.' Enquiries are being pursued...."

MRS. BRAMSON: "Mighty Lak a Rose." What rubbish!...

MRS. TERENCE: Oh yes.... It's the 'eadline in this one. (Humming the tune absently as she reads) "Don't know what to call you, but you're mighty lak a rose." ... Those men have done rummaging in the garden, anyway.

MRS. BRAMSON: I must go this minute and have a look at my pampas grass. And if they've damaged it I'll bring an action.

MRS. TERENCE: Fancy Shepperley bein' in print.

MRS. BRAMSON: Wheel me out, and don't talk so much.

MRS. TERENCE (manoeuvring her through the front door): I could talk me 'ead off and not talk as much as some people I could mention.

OLIVIA is alone. A pause. She spreads her paper on the table and finds DAN'S hat under it. She picks it up and looks at it; DAN comes in from the kitchen with a ball of tangled string, a cigarette between his lips. He is about to take the books into the kitchen, when he sees her. He crosses to her.

DAN: Excuse me ... (Taking the hat from her, cheerfully) I think I'll hang it in the hall, same as if I was a visitor ...

He does so, then takes up the book, sits on the sofa, and begins to unravel the string. A pause.

You don't mind me stayin' and havin' a bit o' lunch ... in the kitchen, do you?

OLIVIA: It's not for me to say. As I told you before, I'm really a servant here.

DAN (after a pause): You're not a very ordinary servant, though, are you?

OLIVIA (turning over a page): N-no ...

DAN: Neither am I.

He unpicks a knot, and begins to hum absentmindedly. The humming gradually resolves itself into faint singing.

(Singing) "I'm a pretty little feller ... everybody knows ..."

OLIVIA _looks up; a thought crosses her mind. She turns her head and looks at him.

The Curtain begins to fall slowly.

(Singing, as he intently unravels the string_)

"Don't know what to call me—but I'm mighty lak a rose...."

THE CURTAIN IS DOWN



ACT II

SCENE I

An afternoon twelve days later. The weather is a little duller.

MRS. BRAMSON _is sitting on the right of the table in her invalid chair, puzzling out a game of patience. She has smartened up her appearance in the interval and is wearing purple, and earrings._ OLIVIA _is sitting opposite her, smoking a cigarette, a pencil and pad on the table in front of her; she is pondering and writing. A portable gramophone on a small table next the desk is playing the H.M.V. dance record of "Dames."

A pause_. MRS. BRAMSON _coughs. She coughs again, and looks at_ OLIVIA, _waving her hand before her, clearing away billows of imaginary smoke_.

OLIVIA: I'm sorry. Is my cigarette worrying you?

MRS. BRAMSON (temper): Not at all. I like it!

OLIVIA stubs out her cigarette with a resigned look and goes on making notes. DAN enters from the kitchen, keeping time to the music, carrying a bunch of roses, wearing overalls over flannel trousers and a brown golf jacket, and smoking. He goes to the fireplace and clumps the roses into a vase on the mantelpiece, humming the tune. He crosses to the gramophone, still in rhythm, MRS. BRAMSON keeping time skittishly with her hands. He turns off the gramophone and looks over OLIVIA'S shoulder at what she is writing.

DAN (singing): "Their home addresses ... and their caresses ... linger in my memory of ... those beautiful dames" ... (His hand to his forehead) That's me!

OLIVIA looks at him coldly and continues her notes.

MRS. BRAMSON: It won't come out....

DAN shrugs his shoulders, stands behind MRS. BRAMSON'S chair, and studies her play. OLIVIA follows his example from her side.

OLIVIA (pointing to two cards): Look.

MRS. BRAMSON (infuriated): I saw that! Leave me alone, and don't interfere.

_A pause._ DAN _makes a quick movement and puts one card on another.

(Pleased and interested, quite unconscious to the difference in her attitude_) Oh, yes, dear, of course....

OLIVIA (as MRS. BRAMSON makes a move): No, that's a spade.

MRS. BRAMSON (sharply): No such thing; it's a club. It's got a wiggle on it.

DAN: They both got wiggles on 'em. (Pointing to another card) This is a club.

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh yes, dear, so it is! OLIVIA (writing): The ironmonger says there were two extra gallons of paraffin not paid for.

MRS. BRAMSON: And they won't be paid for either—not if I have to go to law about it.

A pause. She coughs absently.

DAN: I'm sorry. Is my cigarette worrying you?

MRS. BRAMSON: No, no, dear.

This has its effect on OLIVIA. DAN sits on the left of the table, where "East Lynne" is open on the table.

I'm sick of patience.

DAN (reading laboriously): "You old-fashioned child—"

MRS. BRAMSON: What?

DAN: East Lynne.

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh....

DAN (reading): "'You old-fashioned child!' retorted Mrs. Vane. 'Why did you not put on your diamonds?' 'I-did-put on my diamonds,' stammered Lady Isabel. 'But I—took them off again.' 'What on earth for?'" That's the other lady speaking there—

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes, dear....

DAN: "'What on earth for?' ... 'I did not like to be too fine,' answered Lady Isabel, with a laugh—" (turning over) "—and a blush. 'They glittered so! I feared it might be thought I had put them on to look fine.'"

MRS. BRAMSON (absently): Good, isn't it?

DAN (flicking ash): Oh, yes, reelistic.... (Reading) "'I see you mean to set up among that class of people who pree-tend to dee-spise ornyment,' scornfully ree-marked Mrs. Vane. 'It is the ree-finement of aff-affectation, Lady Isabel——'"

An excited knock at the kitchen door. DORA enters. DAN turns back the page and surveys what he has been reading, scratching his head.

MRS. BRAMSON (the old edge to her voice): What is it?

DORA: Them men's in the wood again.

MRS. BRAMSON: What men?

DORA: The men lookin' for that Mrs. Chalfont.

A pause. DAN hums "Dames" under his breath.

MRS. BRAMSON: You don't mean to tell me they're still at it? But they've been pottering about since ... when was that day Mr. Dan left the Tallboys?

DORA (stressing a little bitterly): Mister Dan?

DAN (smiling): Ahem!...

DORA: Mister Dan first came to work for you, mum, a week last Monday....

MRS. BRAMSON: Well, I think it's a disgrace——

DORA: I've found something!

DAN'S humming stops abruptly; he swivels round and looks at DORA, his face unseen by the audience. OLIVIA and MRS. BRAMSON stare at DORA; a pause.

MRS. BRAMSON: You've found something?

OLIVIA: What?

DORA (excited): This!

She holds out her left arm and lets jail from her fist the length of a soiled belt. A pause. OLIVIA puts down her pencil and pad, goes to her, and looks at the belt.

OLIVIA: Yes, of course, it's mine! I missed it last week....

MRS. BRAMSON (baulked of excitement): Oh yes, I thought I recognised it.... What nonsense!...

DAN looks at her; chuckling.

DORA (going, dolefully): I'm ever so disappointed....

She goes into the kitchen. OLIVIA goes to the armchair by the fireplace.

MRS. BRAMSON: She'll be joining Scotland Yard next.... Go on, dear.

DAN (reading): "'It is the ree-finement of affectation, Lady Isabel——'"

_The clock chimes.

(Clapping his hands, to_ MRS. BRAMSON) Ah!

MRS. BRAMSON (pleased): Oh, Danny ...

He hurries to the medicine cupboard and pours medicine into a spoon. HUBERT comes in from the front door.

HUBERT (eagerly): Have you heard?

MRS. BRAMSON (eagerly): What?

HUBERT: Dora's found a belt!

MRS. BRAMSON (disappointed again): Oh ... it was Olivia's.

HUBERT: I say, what a shame!...

MRS. BRAMSON: Tch, tch!... All this sensation-mong——

DAN drowns her speech by deftly pouring the spoonful of medicine down her throat. He pushes her chocolate-box towards her, and strides briskly into the hall.

Horrid....

DAN (taking a soft hat from the rack and putting it on): Good for you, though, the way you are....

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes, dear.

DAN (coming into the room, and beginning to take off his overalls): And now it's time for your walk.... (Smiling at OLIVIA) It's all right, I got trousers on.... (Peeling the overalls over his feet, and tossing them on to the left window-seat) Listen to me talking about your walk, when you'll be in a chair all the time.... (Chuckling, to HUBERT) That's funny, isn't it!... (Going to MRS. BRAMSON) Come on, I got your shawl and your rug in the hall....

MRS. BRAMSON (as he wheels her into the hall): Have you got my pills?

DAN: I got them in my pocket.

MRS. BRAMSON: And my chocolates?

DAN: I got them in my pocket too. Here's your hat—better put it on yourself.

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes, dear.

DAN: And here's your shawl.

MRS. BRAMSON: It isn't a shawl, it's a cape.

DAN: Well, I don't know, do I? And I carry your rug on my shoulder.... (To the others) See you later! Be good!

Shutting the front door, his voice dying as the chair passes the left window.

Down this way to-day....

A pause. HUBERT and OLIVIA look at each other.

OLIVIA (suddenly): What do you think of him?

HUBERT (a little taken aback): Him? Grannie's white-headed boy, you mean? Oh, he's all right. (Heavily.) A bit slow on the uptake, of course. I wish he'd occasionally take that fag-end out of his mouth.

OLIVIA: He does. For her.

HUBERT: That's true. That's why he's made such a hit with her. Funny I haven't been able to manage it. In two weeks, too ... it's uncanny.

OLIVIA: Uncanny?... I think it's clever.

HUBERT: You don't think he's a wrong 'un, do you?

OLIVIA: What do we know about him?

HUBERT: Why ... his Christian name?

OLIVIA: And that's all.

HUBERT: He looks pretty honest.

OLIVIA: Looks? (After a pause.) It's rather frightening to think what a face can hide.... I sometimes catch sight of one looking at me. Careful lips, and blank eyes.... And then I find I'm staring at myself in the glass ... and I realise how successfully I'm hiding the thoughts I know so well ... and then I know we're all ... strangers. Windows, with blinds, and behind them ... secrets. What's behind his eyes? (After a pause, with a smile) You're quite right, it is morbid.

HUBERT: D'you think he's a thief or something? By Jove, I left my links on the washstand before lunch!

OLIVIA: He's acting ... every minute of the time. I know he is! But he's acting pretty well, because I don't know how I know.... He's walking about here all day, and talking a little, and smiling, and smoking cigarettes.... Impenetrable ... that's what it is! What's going on—in his mind? What's he thinking of? (Vehemently ) He is thinking of something! All the time! What is it?

DAN enters from the front door and smiles broadly at them.

DAN: Anybody seen my lady's pills? It's a matter of life and death.... I thought I had 'em.

HUBERT chuckles.

OLIVIA (after a pause, in a level voice): Oh, yes. They're in the top drawer of the desk. I'm so sorry.

DAN: Thank you.

He salutes her, goes to the desk, and takes out the pills. They watch him.

MRS. BRAMSON (off) Danny!

DAN: Oh, yes, here they are....

HUBERT (to say something): Is she feeling off colour again?

DAN (on his way to the front door): Off colour? She's never been on it, man! To hear her go on you'd think the only thing left is artificial respiration, And chocolates.... (Laughing, and calling) Coming!

He goes, shutting the front door behind him.

HUBERT: No, really you have to laugh!

OLIVIA: But what you've just seen ... that's exactly what I mean! It's acting! He's not being himself for a minute—it's all put on for our benefit ... don't you see?

HUBERT (banteringly): D'you know, I think you're in love with him.

OLIVIA (with rather more impatience than is necessary): Don't be ridiculous.

HUBERT: I was only joking.

OLIVIA: He's common and insolent, and I dislike him intensely.

MRS. TERENCE comes in from the kitchen.

MRS. TERENCE: What'll you 'ave for tea, scones or crumpets? Can't make both.

OLIVIA: What d'you think of Dan?

MRS. TERENCE: Dan? Oh, 'e's all right. Bit of a mystery.

HUBERT: Oh.

MRS. TERENCE (shutting the kitchen door and coming into the middle of the room): Terrible liar, o' course. But then a lot of us are. Told me he used to 'unt to 'ounds and 'ave 'is own pack. Before 'e went up in the world and went as a page-boy, I suppose.

OLIVIA (to HUBERT): You see? He wouldn't try that on with us, but couldn't resist it with her.

HUBERT: I wonder how soon the old girl'll get his number?... Oh, but fair play, we're talking about the chap as if he were the most terrible——

MRS. TERENCE: Why, what's 'e done?

HUBERT: Exactly.

OLIVIA: I don't know, but I feel so strongly ... Is Dora there?... (Calling cautiously) Dora!

MRS. TERENCE: Oh, she won't know anything. She's as 'alf-witted as she's lazy, and that's sayin' a lot. She'd cut 'er nose off to stop the dust-bin smelling sooner than empty it, she would.

DORA comes in from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

DORA: Did somebody say Dora?

OLIVIA: Has Dan said any more about marrying you?

DORA: No. She 'asn't brought it up again, either.

OLIVIA: Does he talk to you at all?

DORA (perplexed): Oh ... only how-do-you-do and beg-your-pardon. I've never really spent any time in 'is company, you see. Except, o' course—

HUBERT: Quite. What's your idea of him?

DORA: Oh.... (Moving to the centre of the room) 'E's all right. Takes 'is fun where 'e finds it. And leaves it.... Cracks 'imself up, you know. Pretends 'e doesn't care a twopenny, but always got 'is eye on what you're thinking of 'im ... if you know what I mean.

OLIVIA: Yes, I do. That incredible vanity ... they always have it. Always.

HUBERT: Who?

A pause.

OLIVIA: Murderers.

A pause. They stare at her.

HUBERT: Good God!...

MRS. TERENCE: D'you mean ... this woman they're looking for?

OLIVIA: I'm sure of it.

MRS. TERENCE: But 'es's such a—such a ordinary boy—

OLIVIA: That's just it—and then he's suddenly so ... extraordinary. I've felt it ever since I heard him sing that song—I told you—

HUBERT: That "mighty-lak-a-rose" thing, you mean? Oh, but it's a pretty well-known one—

OLIVIA: It's more than that. I've kept on saying to myself: No, murder's a thing we read about in the papers; it isn't real life; it can't touch us. ... But it can. And it's here. All round us. In the forest ... in this house. We're ... living with it. (After a pause, rising decisively) Bring his luggage in here, will you, Mrs. Terence?

MRS. TERENCE (staggered): 'Is luggage? (Recovering, to DORA) Give me a 'and.

Wide-eyed, she goes into the kitchen, followed by DORA.

HUBERT: I say, this is a bit thick, you know—spying—

OLIVIA (urgently): We may never have the house to ourselves again.

She runs to each window and looks out across the forest. MRS. TERENCE returns carrying luggage: one large and one small suitcase. DORA follows, lugging an old-fashioned thick leather hat-box. MRS. TERENCE places the suitcases on the table; DORA plants the hat-box in the middle of the floor.

MRS. TERENCE (in a conspiratorial tone): This is all.

HUBERT: But look here, we can't do this—

OLIVIA snaps open the lid of the larger suitcase with a jerk. A pause. They look, almost afraid. DORA moves to the back of the table.

MRS. TERENCE (as OLIVIA lifts it gingerly): A dirty shirt ...

HUBERT: That's all right.

OLIVIA: A clean pair of socks ... packet of razor-blades ...

HUBERT: We shouldn't be doing this—I feel as if I were at school again—

MRS. TERENCE: Singlet ...

OLIVIA: Half ticket to Shepperley Palais de Danse ...

MRS. TERENCE: Oh, it's a proper 'aunt!

DORA: Oh, 'ere's a pocket-book. With a letter.

(She gives the letter to MRS. TERENCE and the pocket-book to OLIVIA.)

HUBERT: Look here, this is going a bit too far—you can't do this to a chap—

MRS. TERENCE (taking the letter from the envelope): Don't be silly, dear, your wife'll do it to you 'undreds of times.... (Sniffing the note-paper) Pooh.... (Reading, as they crane over her shoulder) "Dear Baby-Face my own ..." Signed Lil....

OLIVIA: What awful writing....

MRS. TERENCE (reading, heavily): "... Next time you strike Newcastle, O.K. by me, baby...." Ooh!

HUBERT: Just another servant-girl.... Sorry, Dora....

DORA (lugubriously): O.K.

OLIVIA (rummaging in the pocket-book): Bus ticket to Thorburton, some snaps ...

MRS. TERENCE: Look at 'er bust!

OLIVIA: Here's a group.... Look, Hubert....

HUBERT joins her in front of the table.

HUBERT: This wench is rather fetching.

MRS. TERENCE (crowding between them): Look at 'er!... The impudence, 'er being taken in a bathing-suit!...

DORA: He's not in this one, is 'e?

HUBERT (impressed): Oh, I say ... there she is!

MRS. TERENCE and DORA: who?

HUBERT: The missing female! In front of the tall man.... You remember the photograph of her in the Mirror?

DORA: It's awful to think she may be dead. Awful....

MRS. TERENCE: Looks ever so sexy, doesn't she?

DORA: 'Ere's one of a little boy—

OLIVIA: How extraordinary....

HUBERT: What?

OLIVIA: It's himself.

DORA: The little Eton collar.... Oh, dear ... ever so sweet, isn't it? MRS. TERENCE: Now that's what I call a real innocent face....

HUBERT (going to the centre of the room): Well, that's that....

OLIVIA: Wait a minute, wasn't there another one? (Seeing the hat-box) Oh, yes....

HUBERT (lifting it on to a chair): Oh, this; yes....

DORA: Old-fashioned, isn't it?

MRS. TERENCE: I should think he got it from a box-room at the Tallboys—

OLIVIA (_puzzled_): But it looks so extraordinary—(_She gives a sudden gasp.)

They look at her. She is staring at the box. A pause._

HUBERT: What is it?

OLIVIA: I don't know.... Suppose there is something ... inside it?

A pause. They stare at her, fascinated by her thought. The front door bangs. They are electrified into action: but it is too late. It is DAN. He goes briskly to the table.

DAN: She wants to sit in the sun now and have a bit of East Lynne. Talk about changin' your mind—

He sees the suitcases on the table before him, and is motionless and silent. A pause. The others dare not move. He finally breaks the situation, takes up "East Lynne" from the table, and walks slowly back to the front door. He stops, looks round at HUBERT, smiles, and comes down to him. His manner is normal—too normal.

Could I have it back, please? It's the only one I got....

HUBERT: Oh ... yes, of course.... (Handing him the pocket-book.)

DAN (taking it): Thank you very much.

HUBERT: Not at all ... I ... (To OLIVIA) Here, you deal with this. It's beyond me.

DAN (to him): Did you see the picture of me when I was a little fellow?

HUBERT: Yes.... Very jolly.

DAN (turning to MRS. TERENCE): Did you? It was in the inside of my wallet.

MRS. TERENCE: Oh ... was it?

DAN: Yes. Where I should be keeping my money, only any bit of money I have I always keep on me. (Turning to HUBERT) Safer, don't you think?

HUBERT (smiling weakly): Ye-es....

DAN: I only keep one ten-bob note in this wallet, for emergencies.... (Looking) That's funny. It's gone.

He looks at HUBERT. The others look blankly at one another. ... I expect I dropped it somewhere.... What did you think of the letter?

HUBERT: Letter?

DAN: You got in your hand.

HUBERT: Well, I didn't—er—

DAN: Means well, does Lil; but we had a row. (Taking back the letter) She would spy on me. And if there's anythin' I hate, it's spyin'. Don't you agree?

HUBERT: Ye-es.

DAN: I'd sooner have anythin' than a spy. (To MRS. TERENCE) Bar a murderer, o' course.

A pause. He is arranging his property in his wallet.

HUBERT (incredulous): What—what did you say?

DAN (turning to him casually): Bar a murderer, o' course!

OLIVIA steps forward. MRS. TERENCE steps back from the chair on which the hat-box has been placed.

OLIVIA (incisively): Talking of murder, do you know anything about Mrs. Chalfont's whereabouts at the moment?

DAN turns to her, and for the first time sees the hat-box. He stands motionless. A pause.

DAN: Mrs. Who? OLIVIA: You can't pretend you've never heard of her.

DAN (turning to HUBERT, recovering himself): Oh, Mrs. Chalfont's whereabouts! I thought she said her name was Mrs. Chalfontswear. (Profusely) Silly.... Swear—about—couldn't think——

OLIVIA: Well?

DAN (still looking at HUBERT, brightly, after a pause): I've nothin' to go on, but I think she's been ... murdered.

HUBERT: Oh, you do?

DAN: Yes, I do.

MRS. TERENCE: Who by?

DAN: They say she had several chaps on a string, and——(Suddenly) There was one fellow, a London chap, a bachelor, very citified—with a fair moust——(He stares at HUBERT.)

HUBERT (touching his moustache, unconsciously): What are you looking at me for?

DAN: Well ... you wasn't round these parts the day she bunked, was you?

HUBERT: Yes, I was, as a matter of fact.

DAN (significantly): Oh....

MRS. BRAMSON'S VOICE (calling in the garden): Danny!

HUBERT (flustered): What in God's name are you getting at?

DAN smiles and shrugs his shoulders regretfully at him, and goes out through the front door. OLIVIA sits at the table.

MRS. TERENCE (to HUBERT, perplexed): Are you sure you didn't do it, sir?

HUBERT: I'm going out for a breath of air.

He takes his hat and stick as he goes through the hall, and goes out through the front door.

MRS. TERENCE (to OLIVIA): You don't still think—

OLIVIA: I won't say any more. I know how silly it sounds.

DORA runs into the kitchen, snivelling.

MRS. TERENCE (to OLIVIA): The way you worked us all up! Doesn't it all go to show—

She hears DAN return, and looks round apprehensively. He goes to the table slowly and looks at the two suitcases.

DAN (smiling, to MRS. TERENCE): Would you mind please givin' me a hand with the tidyin' up?... (Taking up the suitcases) And carryin' the other one?... (Going into the kitchen, followed by MRS. TERENCE carrying the hat-box) Looks as if we're goin' on our holidays, doesn't it?...

OLIVIA is alone for a moment. She stares before her, perplexed. DAN returns. She looks away. He looks at her, his eyes narrowed. A pause. Studying her, he takes from a pocket of his jacket a formidable- looking clasp-knife, unclasps it, and tests the blade casually with his fingers. He glances at the mantelpiece, crosses to it, takes down a stick, and begins to sharpen the end of it. OLIVIA watches him. A pause. OLIVIA: Did you do it?

He whittles at the stick.

DAN: You wouldn't be bad-lookin' without them glasses.

OLIVIA: It doesn't interest me very much what I look like.

DAN: Don't you believe it.... (Surveying the shavings in the hearth) Tch!... Clumsy.... (Looking round, and seeing a newspaper lying on the table) Ah....

_He crosses to the table.

(Smiling, with the suspicion of a mock-bow_) Excuse me.... (_He unfolds the newspaper on the table and begins to whittle the stick over it_.)

OLIVIA: You're very conceited, aren't you?

DAN (reassuringly): Yes....

OLIVIA: And you are acting all the time, aren't you?

DAN (staring at her, as if astonished): Actin'? Actin' what? (Leaning over the table, on both arms) Look at the way I can look you in the eyes. I'll stare you out....

OLIVIA (staring into his eyes): I have a theory it's the criminals who can look you in the eyes, and the honest people who blush and look away.

DAN (smiling): Oh....

OLIVIA (after a pause, challenging): It's a very blank look, though, isn't it?

DAN (smiling): Is it?

OLIVIA: You are acting, aren't you?

DAN (after a pause, in a whisper, almost joyfully): Yes!

OLIVIA (fascinated): And what are you like when you stop acting?

DAN: I dunno, it's so long since I stopped.

OLIVIA: But when you're alone?

DAN: Then I act more than ever I do.

OLIVIA: Why?

DAN: I dunno; 'cause I like it.... (Breaking the scene, pulling a chair round to the table) Now what d'ye say if I ask a question or two for a change? (Sitting in the chair facing her) Just for a change.... Why can't you take a bit of an interest in some other body but me?

OLIVIA (taken aback): I'm not interested in you. Only you don't talk. That's bound to make people wonder.

DAN: I can talk a lot sometimes. A drop o' drink makes a power o' difference to me. (Chuckling) You'd be surprised.... Ah....

He returns to his work.

OLIVIA: I wonder if I would....

DAN: I know you would....

OLIVIA: I think I can diagnose you all right.

DAN: Carry on.

OLIVIA: You haven't any feelings ... at all....

He looks slowly up at her. She has struck home.

But you live in a world of your own.... A world of your own imagination.

DAN: I don't understand so very well, not bein' so very liter-er-airy.

OLIVIA: You follow me perfectly well.

He shrugs his shoulders, laughs, and goes on whittling.

DAN: D'you still think there's been a bit o' dirty work?

OLIVIA: I don't know what to think now. I suppose not.

DAN (intent on his work, his back to the audience): Disappointed?

OLIVIA: What on earth do you mean?

DAN: Disappointed?

OLIVIA (laughing, in spite of herself): Yes, I suppose I am.

DAN: Why?

OLIVIA (the tension at last relaxed): Oh, I don't know.... Because nothing much has ever happened to me, and it's a dull day, and it's the depths of the country.... I don't know....

A piercing scream from the bottom of the garden. A pause.

MRS. BRAMSON (shrieking from the other side of the house): Danny!... Danny!

The clatter of footsteps in the garden. DORA runs in from the hall, breathless and terrified.

DORA: They're diggin' ... in the rubbish-pit ...

OLIVIA: Well?

DORA: There's something sticking out....

OLIVIA: What?

DORA: A hand ... Somebody's hand!... Oh, Miss Grayne ... somebody's hand....

She runs whimpering into the kitchen, as OLIVIA rises and runs to the left window and looks out.

MRS. BRAMSON'S VOICE (calling off): Danny!

DAN rises slowly, his back to the audience.

OLIVIA _turns and suddenly sees him. Horror grows in her face.

The blare of music. The lights dim out._



SCENE II

_The music plays in darkness for a few bars, then the curtain rises again. The music fades away.

Late afternoon, two days later._ OLIVIA _is seated above the table snipping long cuttings from newspapers and pasting them into a ledger. A knock at the front door. She starts nervously. Another knock._ MRS. TERENCE _comes in from the kitchen carrying a smoothing- iron._

MRS. TERENCE: If it's them police again, I'll bash their helmets in with this. If it lands me three months, I will.

OLIVIA: They're from Scotland Yard, and they don't wear helmets.

MRS. TERENCE: Then they're going to get 'urt.... (Going into the hall) I can tell by their looks what they think. And they better not think it, neither.

OLIVIA: And what do they think?

MRS. TERENCE (over her shoulder): They think it's me. I know they think it's me.

She goes into the hall and opens the front door.

HUBERT (outside): Good afternoon, Mrs. Terence.

MRS. TERENCE: Oh ... come in, sir. (Coming back into the room) It's a civilian for a change.

She is followed by HUBERT.

HUBERT (to OLIVIA): I say, this is all getting pretty terrible, isn't it?

OLIVIA: Yes, terrible.

MRS. TERENCE: Oh, terrible, terrible. There's one word for it; it's terrible. Forty-eight hours since they found 'er. They'll never get 'im now.

HUBERT: Terrible....

MRS. TERENCE: There was another charabanc load just after two o'clock. All standin' round the rubbish-'cap eatin' sandwiches. Sensation, that's what it is.

OLIVIA: Would you like some food, Hubert?

HUBERT: Well, I—

MRS. TERENCE: They're still looking for the 'ead.

HUBERT (to OLIVIA, with a slight grimace): No, thanks. I had lunch.

MRS. TERENCE: Mangled, she was, mangled.... Did you see your name in the Express, sir?

HUBERT: I—er—did catch a glimpse of it, yes.

MRS. TERENCE: Little did you think, sir, when you was digging that pit for my rubbish, eh? 'E may 'ave been watchin' you digging it ... ooh! I have to sit in my kitchen and think about it.

HUBERT: Then why don't you leave?

MRS. TERENCE (indignantly): How can I leave, with the whole village waitin' on me to tell 'em the latest? (Going towards the kitchen) I 'eard 'er 'ead must have been off at one stroke. One stroke....

HUBERT: Really.

MRS. TERENCE (turning at the door): She wasn't interfered with, though.

She goes into the kitchen.

HUBERT: How they all love it.... How's the old lady bearing up in the old invalid chair, eh?

OLIVIA: She's bursting out of it with health. And loving it more than anybody. This is my latest job—a press-cutting book. There was a picture of her in the Chronicle yesterday; she bought twenty-six copies.

HUBERT (taking his pipe out): She'll get to believe she did it herself in the end.... Is she in?

OLIVIA: She's gone over to Breakerly to interview a local paper.

HUBERT: The lad pushing the go-cart?... He's the devoted son all right, isn't he?

OLIVIA (after a pause): I don't talk to him much.

HUBERT: Nice fellow. I've thought a lot about that prying into his things—pretty bad show, really, you know. (Going to the left window) I wonder if they'll ever nab him?

OLIVIA (with a start): What do you mean?

HUBERT: The fellow who did it.... Wonder what he's doing now.

OLIVIA: I wonder.

HUBERT: Damn clever job, you know, quietly.... That was a rum touch, finding that broken lipstick in the rubbish-heap.... You know, the fact they still have no idea where this woman's head is——

OLIVIA (convulsively): Don't....

HUBERT: Sorry.

OLIVIA (after a pause): It's a bit of a strain.

HUBERT (earnestly): Then why don't you leave?

OLIVIA: I—I couldn't afford it.

HUBERT: But you could, if you married me! Now, look here—— (Going to her) You said you'd tell me to-day. So here I am—er— popping the question again. There's nothing much to add, except to go over the old ground again, and say that I'm not what you'd call a terribly brainy chap, but I am straight.

OLIVIA: Yes, I know.

HUBERT: Though, again, I'm not the sort that gets into corners with a pipe and never opens his mouth from one blessed year's end to the other. I can talk.

OLIVIA: Yes, you can.

HUBERT: An all-round chap, really—that's me.

OLIVIA: Yes.

HUBERT: Well?

OLIVIA: I'm sorry, Hubert, but I can't.

HUBERT: You can't? But you told me that day we might make a go of it, or words to that effect——

OLIVIA: I've thought it over since then, and I'm afraid I can't.

A pause.

HUBERT: What's changed you?

OLIVIA: Nothing's changed me, Hubert. I've just thought the matter over, that's all.

A pause. He crosses towards the fireplace.

HUBERT: Is it another man?

OLIVIA (startled): Don't be silly. (Collecting herself) What man could I possibly meet, cooped up here?

HUBERT: Sorry. Can't be helped. Sorry.

DAN (in the garden): There we are.—Nice outing, eh—

OLIVIA: So am I.

The front door opens and DAN wheels in MRS. BRAMSON. He is as serene as ever, but more animated than before. He is dressed the same as in the previous scene, and is smoking his usual cigarette. HUBERT sits at the table.

DAN (hanging up her rug in the hall): Back home again.—I put your gloves away——

MRS. BRAMSON (as he wheels her in): I feel dead. (To HUBERT) Oh, it's you.... I feel dead.

DAN (sitting beside her on the sofa, full of high spirits): Don't you be a silly old 'oman, you look as pretty as a picture— strawberries and cream in your face, and not a day over forty; and when I've made you a nice cup of tea you'll be twenty-five in the sun and eighteen with your back to the light, so you think yourself lucky!

MRS. BRAMSON (as he digs her in the side): Oh, Danny, you are a terror! (To the others) He's been at me like this all the way. I must say it keeps me alive.

DAN (as she hands him her hat and cape): But you feel dead. I get you.

MRS. BRAMSON (kittenish): Oh, you caution! You'll be the death of me!

DAN (wagging his finger at her): Ah-ha! (Hanging up her things in the hall) Now what'd you like a drop of in your tea—gin, whisky, liqueur, brandy, or a nice dollop of sailor's rum, eh?

MRS. BRAMSON: Just listen to him! Now don't make me laugh, dear, because there's always my heart.

DAN (sitting beside her again): You've lost your heart, you know you have, to the little feller that pushes your pram—you know you have!

MRS. BRAMSON (laughing shrilly): Pram! Well! (Her laugh cut short) It's wicked to laugh, with this—this thing all round us.

DAN (sobering portentously): I forgot. (As she shivers) Not in a draught, are you? (Shutting the front door and coming down to HUBERT) D'you remember, Mr. Laurie, me pulling your leg about you havin' done it? Funniest thing out!... Talk about laugh!

MRS. BRAMSON (fondly): Tttt!...

DAN (a glint of mischief in his eyes): I think I better get the tea before I get into hot water.

He goes towards the kitchen.

OLIVIA: Mrs. Terence is getting the tea.

DAN (at the door): She don't make tea like me. I'm an old sailor, Miss Grayne. Don't you forget that.

He goes into the kitchen.

OLIVIA: I'm not interested, I'm afraid.

MRS. BRAMSON (wheeling herself to the front of the table): Look here, Olivia, you're downright rude to that boy, and if there's one thing that never gets a woman anywhere, it's rudeness. What have you got against him?

HUBERT: Surely he's got more to say for himself to-day than when I met him before?

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh, he's been in rare spirits all day.

HUBERT: Johnny Walker, judging by the whiff of breath I got just now.

MRS. BRAMSON: Meaning whisky?

HUBERT: Yes.

OLIVIA: I've never heard you make a joke before, Hubert.

HUBERT: Didn't realise it was one till I'd said it. Sorry.

MRS. BRAMSON: It's not a joke; it's a libel.

A knock at the front door.

Come in.

NURSE LIBBY enters from the front door.

The boy's a teetotaller.

HUBERT: Sorry; my mistake.

NURSE: Good afternoon. Shall I wait for you in your bedroom?

MRS. BRAMSON: Yes. I feel absolutely dead.

NURSE (turning at the bedroom, eagerly): Anything new re the murder?

HUBERT: I believe her head was cut off at one stroke.

NURSE (brightly): Oh, poor thing....

She goes into the bedroom. DAN returns from the kitchen, carrying a tray of tea and cakes.

DAN: There you are, fresh as a daisy.—Three lumps, as per usual, and some of the cakes you like——

MRS. BRAMSON (as he pours out her tea): Thank you, dear.... Let me smell your breath. (After smelling it) Clean as a whistle. Smells of peppermints.

OLIVIA: Yes. There were some in the kitchen.

HUBERT: Oh.

MRS. BRAMSON (to HUBERT, as DAN pours out two more cups): So you won't stay to tea, Mr.—er——

HUBERT: Er—(rising)—no, thank you....

DAN sits in HUBERT's chair.

I think I'll get off before it's dark. Good-bye, Mrs. Bramson. Good-bye, Mr.—er——

DAN (grinning and saluting): Dan. Just Dan.

He opens the press-cutting ledger.

HUBERT (to OLIVIA): Good-bye.

OLIVIA (rises): Good-bye, Hubert. I'm sorry.

DAN raises his cup as if drinking a toast to MRS. BRAMSON. She follows suit.

HUBERT: Can't be helped.... It'll get dark early to-day, I think. Funny how the evenings draw in this time of year. Good night.

DAN: Good night.

HUBERT (to OLIVIA): Good-bye.

OLIVIA: Good-bye.

She goes to the right window-seat.

MRS. BRAMSON: Johnny Walker, indeed! Impertinence!

DAN (drinking tea and scanning press-cuttings): Johnny Walker?

MRS. BRAMSON: Never you mind, dear.... Any more of those terrible people called? Reporters? Police?

DAN (gaily): There's a definite fallin' off in attendance to-day. Sunday, I expect.

MRS. BRAMSON: Hush, don't talk like that, dear.

DAN: Sorry, mum.

MRS. BRAMSON: And don't call me "mum"!

DAN: Well, if I can't call you Mrs. Bramson, what can I call you?

MRS. BRAMSON: If you were very good, I might let you call me ... mother!

DAN (mischievously, his hand to his forehead): O.K., mother.

MRS. BRAMSON (joining in his laughter): Oh, you are in a mood to-day! (Suddenly, imperiously) I want to be read to now.

DAN (crossing to the desk, in mock resignation): Your servant, mother o' mine.... What'll you have? The Channings? The Red Court Farm?

MRS. BRAMSON: I'm tired of them.

DAN: Well ... oh! (Taking a large Bible from the top of the desk) What about the Bible?

MRS. BRAMSON: The Bible?

DAN: It's Sunday, you know. I was brought up on it!

MRS. BRAMSON: So was I ... East Lynne's nice, though.

DAN: Not as nice as the Bible.

MRS. BRAMSON (doubtfully): All right, dear; makes a nice change.... Not that I don't often dip into it.

DAN: I'm sure you do. (Blowing the dust off the book) Now where'll I read?

MRS. BRAMSON (unenthusiastic): At random's nice, don't you think, dear?

DAN: At random.... Yes....

MRS. BRAMSON: The Old Testament.

DAN (turning over leaves thoughtfully): At random in the Old Testament's a bit risky, don't you think so?

MRS. TERENCE comes in from the kitchen.

MRS. TERENCE (to MRS. BRAMSON): The paperboy's at the back door and says you're in the News of the World again.

MRS. BRAMSON (interested): Oh!... (Simulating indifference) That horrible boy again, when the one thing I want is to blot the whole thing out of my mind.

MRS. TERENCE: 'Ow many copies d'you want?

MRS. BRAMSON: Get three.

MRS. TERENCE: And 'e says there's a placard in Shepperley with your name on it.

MRS. BRAMSON: What does it say?

MRS. TERENCE: "Mrs. Bramson Talks."

She goes back towards the kitchen.

MRS. BRAMSON: Oh. (As MRS. TERENCE reaches the kitchen door) Go at once into Shepperley and order some. At once!

MRS. TERENCE: Can't be done.

MRS. BRAMSON: Can't be done? What d'you mean, can't be done? It's a scandal. What are you paid for?

MRS. TERENCE (coming back, furious): I'm not paid! And 'aven't been for two weeks! And I'm not coming to-morrow unless I am! Put that in your copybook and blot it.

She goes back into the kitchen, banging the door.

MRS. BRAMSON: Isn't paid? Is she mad? (To OLIVIA) Are you mad? Why don't you pay her?

OLIVIA (coming down): Because you don't give me the money to do it with.

MRS. BRAMSON: I—(fumbling at her bodice)—wheel me over to that cupboard.

OLIVIA is about to do so, when she catches DAN'S eye.

OLIVIA (to DAN, pointedly): Perhaps you'd go into the kitchen and get the paper from Mrs. Terence?

DAN (after a second's pause, with a laugh): Of course I will, madam! Anythin' you say! Anythin' you say!

He careers into the kitchen, still carrying the Bible. MRS. BRAMSON has fished up two keys on the end of a long black tape. OLIVIA wheels her over to the cupboard above the fireplace.

OLIVIA: If you give me the key, I'll get it for you.

MRS. BRAMSON: No fear! _She unlocks the cupboard; it turns out to be a small but very substantial safe.

(Unlocking the safe, muttering to herself_)

Won't go into Shepperley, indeed ... never heard of such impertinence....

She takes out a cash-box from among some deeds, unlocks it with the smaller key, and takes out a mass of five-pound and pound notes.

The way these servants—what are you staring at? OLIVIA: Isn't it rather a lot of money to have in the house?

MRS. BRAMSON: "Put not your trust in banks" is my motto, and always will be.

OLIVIA: But that's hundreds of pounds! It——

MRS. BRAMSON (handing her two notes): D'you wonder I wouldn't let you have the key?

OLIVIA: Has ... anybody else asked you for it?

MRS. BRAMSON (locking the cash-box and putting it back in the safe): I wouldn't let a soul touch it. Not a soul. Not even Danny.

She snaps the safe, locks it, and slips the keys back into her bosom.

OLIVIA: Has he asked you for it?

MRS. BRAMSON: It's enough to have those policemen prying, you forward girl, without——

OLIVIA (urgently): Please! Has he?

MRS. BRAMSON: Well, he did offer to fetch some money yesterday for the dairy. But I wouldn't give him the key! Oh, no!

OLIVIA: Why?

MRS. BRAMSON: Do I want to see him waylaid and attacked, and my key stolen? Oh, no, I told him, that key stays on me—

OLIVIA: Did he—know how much money there is in there?

MRS. BRAMSON: I told him! Do you wonder I stick to the key, I said— what is the matter with you, all these questions?

OLIVIA: Oh, it's no use—

She goes to the armchair below the fireplace and sits in it. DAN returns from the kitchen, with a copy of the "News of the World," the Bible tucked under his arm, a cigarette stub between his lips.

DAN: He says they're sellin' like hot cakes! (Handing the paper to MRS. BRAMSON) There you are, I've found the place for you—whole page, headlines an' all....