The Mousetrap

KAY. (Dumbfounded.) To Audrey? To me. The money comes to Nevile and his wife. I’m his wife. Half the money comes to me. (Nevile moves slowly down L.)

BATTLE. I am informed—definitely—that the money was left in trust for Nevile Strange and “his wife Audrey Strange.” She gets it, not you. (He makes a sign to Leach. Leach exits quickly L. Royde crosses slowly and stands up L.)

KAY. (With a step towards Nevile.) But you told me—you let me think . . .

NEVILE. (Mechanically.) I thought you knew. We—I get fifty thousand. Isn’t that enough? (He moves to L. of the chaise.)

BATTLE. Apart from all questions of motive, facts are facts. The facts point to her being guilty. (Kay sits on the chaise.)

NEVILE. All the facts showed that I was guilty yesterday.

BATTLE. (Slightly taken aback.) That’s true. (He moves a little up C.) But are you seriously asking me to believe that there’s someone who hates both of you? Someone who, if the plan failed against you, laid a second trail to Audrey Strange? Can you think of anyone who hates both you and your former wife sufficiently for that?

NEVILE. (Crushed.) No—no.

KAY. Of course Audrey did it. She planned it . . .(Audrey enters L. She moves like a sleepwalker. Leach follows her on.)

AUDREY. (Moving upL. C.) You wanted me, Superintendent? (Royde moves quietly behind Audrey. Nevile faces Audrey, his back to the audience.)

BATTLE. (Becoming very official.) Audrey Strange, I arrest you on the charge of murdering Camilla Tressilian on Thursday last, September the twenty-first. I must caution you that anything you say will be written down and may be used in evidence at your trial. (Kay rises and moves to Latimer. Leach takes a notebook and pencil from his pocket, and stands waiting. Audrey stares straight at Nevile as though hypnotized.)

AUDREY. So—it’s come at last—it’s come.

NEVILE. (Turning away.) Where’s Treves? Don’t say anything. I’m going to find Treves. (Nevile exits by the French windows. Off. Calling.) Mr. Treves. (Audrey sways and Royde holds her.)

AUDREY. Oh—there’s no escape—no escape. (To Royde.) Dear Thomas, I’m so glad—it’s all over—all over. (She looks at Battle.) I’m quite ready. (Leach writes down Audrey’s words. Battle is impassive. The others stare at Audrey, stupefied. Battle makes a sign to Leach, who opens the door L. Audrey turns and exits slowly L., followed by Battle and the others. The lights fade to Black-Out as—)

THE CURTAIN FALLS

Scene II

SCENE: The same. The same evening.

When the curtain rises the windows and curtains are closed and the room is in darkness. Nevile is standing downL. He crosses to the French windows, draws the curtains, opens the windows to get some air, then moves above the chaise. The doorL. opens and a shaft of light illuminates Nevile. Treves enters downL.

TREVES. Ah, Nevile. (He switches on the lights, closes the door and movesL. C.)

NEVILE. (Quickly and eagerly.) Did you see Audrey?

TREVES. Yes, I’ve just left her.

NEVILE. How is she? Has she got everything she wants? I tried to see her this afternoon, but they wouldn’t let me.

TREVES. (Sitting in the armchairL. C.) She doesn’t wish to see anybody at present.

NEVILE. Poor darling. She must be feeling awful. We’ve got to get her out of it.

TREVES. I am doing everything that’s possible, Nevile.