The Mousetrap

KAY. What do you expect after the way you behaved last night? (She sits on the chaise and takes a handkerchief from her bag. Treves moves on to theR. end of the rostrum.)

NEVILE. (Crossing slowly and standing upL. of Kay.) It was you who made all the fuss, Kay. I was prepared to talk the matter over calmly.

KAY. Calmly! Did you imagine that I was going to accept your suggestion that I should divorce you, and leave the way clear for Audrey, as if—as if you were inviting me to—to go to a dance? (Treves crosses to the L. of the rostrum.)

NEVILE. No, but at least you needn’t behave in this hysterical fashion when you’re staying in other people’s houses. For goodness’ sake control yourself and try to behave properly.

KAY. Like she does, I suppose?

NEVILE. At any rate, Audrey doesn’t make an exhibition of herself.

KAY. She’s turning you against me—just as she intended.

NEVILE. Look here, Kay, this isn’t Audrey’s fault. I told you that last night. I explained the situation. I was quite open and honest about it.

KAY. (Scornfully.) Open and honest!

NEVILE. Yes. I can’t help feeling the way I do.

KAY. How do you suppose I feel? You don’t care about that, do you?

TREVES. (Moving downC. and interposing.) I really think, Nevile, that you should very seriously consider your attitude in this—er—matter. Kay is your wife. She has certain rights of which you cannot deprive her in this—this cavalier manner.

NEVILE. I admit that, but—I’m willing to do the—the right thing.

KAY. The right thing!

TREVES. Furthermore it is hardly the—er—proper procedure to discuss this under Lady Tressilian’s roof. It is bound to upset her very seriously. (He crosses below Nevile to L. of Kay.) My sympathies are entirely with Kay, but I think you both have a duty to your hostess and to your fellow guests. I suggest that you postpone any further discussion of the matter until your visit here has terminated.

NEVILE. (A little shamefacedly.) I suppose you’re right, Mr. Treves—yes, of course, you’re right. I’m willing. What do you say, Kay?

KAY. As long as Audrey doesn’t try and . . .

NEVILE. (Sharply.) Audrey hasn’t tried anything.

TREVES. (To Kay.) Ssh! I think, my dear, you would be well advised to agree to my suggestion. It is only a question of a few more days.

KAY. (Rising, ungraciously.) Oh, very well then. (She moves to the French windows.)

NEVILE. (Relieved.) Well, that’s that. I’m going to get some breakfast. (He moves to the door L.) We might all go sailing later on. (He goes on to the L. end of the rostrum and glances out of the window.) There’s quite a good breeze. (He looks at Treves.) Would you like to come?

TREVES. I’m afraid I’m a little too old for that sort of thing. (He crosses towards the door L.)

NEVILE. What about you, Kay?

KAY. (MovingR. C.) What about Ted? We promised him we’d go over this morning.

NEVILE. There’s no reason why he shouldn’t come, too. I’ll get hold of Royde and Audrey and see what they think of the idea. It should be lovely out in the bay. (Audrey enters L. She looks worried.)

AUDREY. (Anxiously.) Mr. Treves—what do you think we ought to do? We can’t wake Mary. (Kay moves down R. of the chaise.)

NEVILE. Can’t wake her? (He moves off the rostrum to C.) What do you mean?

AUDREY. Just that. When Mrs. Barrett came, she took up Mary’s morning tea as usual. (She moves slowly L. C.) Mary was fast asleep. Mrs. Barrett drew the curtains and called to her, but Mary didn’t wake up, so she left the tea on the bedside table. She didn’t bother much when Mary didn’t come down, but when Mary didn’t come down to fetch Camilla’s tea, Mrs. Barrett went up again. Mary’s tea was stone cold and she was still asleep.

TREVES. (Moving downL. of the armchairL. C.) She was very tired last night, Audrey.

AUDREY. But this isn’t a natural sleep, Mr. Treves. It can’t be. Mrs. Barrett shook her—hard—and she didn’t wake. I went in to Mary and I tried to wake her, too. There’s definitely something wrong with her.

NEVILE. Do you mean she’s unconscious?

AUDREY. I don’t know. She looks very pale and she just lies there—like a log.

KAY. Perhaps she took some sleeping pills.