The Mousetrap

EDWARD. (Putting his arms around her) You needn’t be, Midge. It was Henrietta, the girl, I loved. But that day you lit the fire for me, I realized Henrietta the woman was a stranger I didn’t know. When you asked me to look at you, I saw you for the first time, not Midge the little girl, but Midge the woman—warm and alive.

MIDGE. Oh, Edward.

EDWARD. Midge, don’t ever leave me again.

MIDGE. Never. I promise you—never.

(The sound of a motor horn is heard up Centre.)

Heavens, Edward, we must go. They’re waiting. What did I come back for? Gloves!

(EDWARD takes MIDGE’s gloves from his pocket and holds them out to her.)

Oh, darling!

(She takes the gloves from him, turns and exits up Centre to Left. EDWARD follows her off. The LIGHTS fade to a blackout, during which the alcove curtain is closed. There is a pause of six seconds, then the lights come up. One hour is presumed to have elapsed, during which the weather has turned stormy and the sky is overcast. GERDA and HENRIETTA enter up Centre from Left. HENRIETTA is supporting GERDA. They both carry handbags.)

HENRIETTA. (As she enters) We’ve beaten the storm. Good heavens, it’s as dark as night in here. (As she passes the drinks table she switches on the lamp.) Are you all right? Sure? (She leads GERDA to the sofa.) Come over here and put your feet up. (She puts her handbag on the writing table.)

(GERDA sits on the sofa at the Left end of it. HENRIETTA moves to the drinks table.)

GERDA. I’m sorry to give so much trouble. I can’t think why I felt faint.

HENRIETTA. (Pouring out a brandy and water) Anyone might; it was very stuffy in that place.

GERDA. I hope I gave my evidence all right. I get so confused.

HENRIETTA. You did very well indeed.

GERDA. The Coroner was so very kind. Oh dear, I’m so glad it’s all over. If only my head didn’t ache so.

HENRIETTA. (Picking up the drink and moving below the sofa) You need a drink. (She holds out the glass toGERDA.)

GERDA. Oh no, thank you, not for me.

HENRIETTA. Well, I need one. You’d much better have one too.

GERDA. No—really.

(HENRIETTA moves to the drinks table, takes a sip from the glass, then stands it on the table.)

What I would love—but perhaps it would be giving a lot of trouble . . .

HENRIETTA. (Moving to Right of the sofa) Get the idea of giving trouble out of your head, Gerda. What would you like so much?

GERDA. I’d love some tea—a nice cup of hot tea.

HENRIETTA. (Crossing to Left Centre) Of course.

GERDA. But it is a trouble. The servants . . .

HENRIETTA. (Crossing to the fireplace) That’s all right. (She stretches out a hand towards the bellpush, then stops.) Oh, I forgot, Gudgeon’s at the inquest.

GERDA. It doesn’t matter.

HENRIETTA. I’ll go down to the kitchen and ask Mrs. Medway.

GERDA. She might not like being asked.

HENRIETTA. She won’t mind. She mightn’t have liked answering a bell.

GERDA. You’re very good to me.

HENRIETTAexits Left. There is a flash of lightning, followed by a peal of thunder.GERDArises, startled, crosses to the windows Right, glances out, moves up Centre, then turns, moves Left Centre and looks horror-struck at the spot whereJOHNdied. She catches her breath, crosses to the sofa, sits and starts to cry quietly.)

(HENRIETTA enters Left.)

Oh, John—John—I can’t bear it.

HENRIETTA. The kettle’s on—only be a moment. (She crosses to Left of the sofa. Gently) Oh—Gerda, don’t cry. It’s all over now.