The Mousetrap

TREVES. (Moving downR.) You have a positive genius for understatement, Thomas. That unpleasant scene between Nevile and Kay . . .

ROYDE. (Surprised.) Nevile and Kay? The row I heard was between Nevile and Lady Tressilian.

TREVES. (MovingR. of the chaise.) When was this?

ROYDE. Must have been about twenty past ten. They were going at it hammer and tongs. Couldn’t help hearing. My room’s practically opposite hers, you know.

TREVES. (Moving above the chaise, troubled.) Dear, dear, this is news to me.

ROYDE. Thought that was what you meant.

TREVES. (Moving toR. of Royde.) No, no, I was referring to a most distressing scene that took place in here earlier, to part of which I was a reluctant witness. That unfortunate young woman—er—Kay, had a fit of violent hysterics.

ROYDE. What was the row about?

TREVES. I’m afraid it was Nevile’s fault.

ROYDE. That doesn’t surprise me. He’s been behaving like a damn fool. (He moves on to the rostrum.)

TREVES. I entirely agree. His conduct has been most reprehensible. (He sighs and sits on the chaise.)

ROYDE. Was—Audrey mixed up in the row?

TREVES. She was the cause of it. (Kay enters quicklyL. She looks subdued and tired. She carries her handbag.)

KAY. Oh! Good—good morning.

TREVES. (Rising.) Good morning, Kay.

ROYDE. Good morning.

KAY. (MovingL. C.; nervous and ill at ease.) We’re—we’re the only ones up, aren’t we?

TREVES. I think so. I haven’t seen anyone else. I breakfasted in—er—solitary state.

ROYDE. Haven’t had mine yet. Think I’ll go and hunt some up. (To Kay.) Have you had breakfast?

KAY. No. I’ve only just come down. I—I don’t want any breakfast. I feel like hell.

ROYDE. Um—could eat a house, myself. (He crosses below Kay to the door L.) See you later. (Royde exits L.)

KAY. (With a step or two towards Treves, after a slight pause.) Mr. Treves—I—I’m afraid I behaved—rather badly last night.

TREVES. It was very natural that you should be upset.

KAY. I lost my temper and I said a lot of—of foolish things.

TREVES. We are all apt to do that at times. You had every provocation. Nevile was, in my opinion, very much to blame.

KAY. He was led into it. Audrey’s been determined to cause trouble between Nevile and me ever since we came here.

TREVES. (Moving above the coffee table.) I don’t think you’re being quite fair to her.

KAY. She planned this, I tell you. She knows that Nevile’s always—always felt guilty at the way he treated her.

TREVES. (Moving toR. of Kay.) No, no, I’m sure you’re wrong.

KAY. No, no, I’m not wrong. You see, Mr. Treves, I went over it all in the night, and Audrey thought that if she could get us all here together and—(She crosses to R. of the coffee table.) and pretend to be friendly and forgiving that she could get him back. She’s worked on his conscience. Pale and aloof—creeping about like a—like a grey ghost. She knew what effect that would have on Nevile. He’s always reproached himself because he thought he’d treated her badly. (She sits on the chaise.) Right from the beginning—or nearly the beginning—Audrey’s shadow has been between us. Nevile couldn’t quite forget about her—she was always there at the back of his mind.

TREVES. You can hardly blame her for that.

KAY. Oh, don’t you see? She knew how Nevile felt. She knew what the result would be if they were thrown together again.

TREVES. I think you are giving her credit for more cunning than she possesses.

KAY. You’re all on her side—all of you.

TREVES. My dear Kay!

KAY. (Rising.) You’d like to see Nevile go back to Audrey. I’m the interloper—I don’t belong—Nevile said so last night and he was right. Camilla’s always disliked me—she’s put up with me for Nevile’s sake. I’m supposed to see everyone’s point of view but my own. What I feel or think doesn’t matter. If my life is all smashed up it’s just too bad, but it doesn’t matter. It’s only Audrey who matters.

TREVES. No, no, no.

KAY. (Her voice rising.) Well, she’s not going to smash up my life. I don’t care what I do to stop it, but I will. I’ll make it impossible for Nevile to go back to her. (Nevile enters L.)

NEVILE. (Taking in the situation.) What’s the matter now? More trouble?