The Mousetrap

KARLenters downR, collects the bottle of medicine and glass from the shelves by the door, then moves to the bookshelves upR. LISApicks up the coffee and tray and exits with it upC.

HELEN. (crossing below the armchair toC) Well, Professor Hendryk, can I come?

KARL. I’m afraid the answer is no. (He pours some water from the jug on the bookcase shelf into the medicine glass, then moves to the door down R)

HELEN. (crossing toKARL) You don’t understand. I want to come. I want to be taught. Oh, please, you can’t refuse me. (She comes close to him and puts a hand on his arm)

KARL. (drawing back a little) But I can refuse you, you know. (He smiles at her quite gently and kindly)

HELEN. But why, why? Daddy’ll pay you heaps if you let me come. Double the ordinary fee. I know he will.

KARL. I’m sure your father would do anything you ask him, but it’s not a question of money.

HELENturns toC. LISAenters upCand stands above the tableRC.

(He turns to LISA) Lisa, give Miss Rollander a glass of sherry, will you. I must go back to Anya. (He turns to go)

HELEN. Professor Hendryk!

KARL. My wife is having one of her bad days. I know you’ll excuse me if I go back to her now.

KARLsmiles very charmingly atHELENthen exits downR. HELENlooks after him.LISAtakes a bottle of sherry from the bookcase, cupboardR. HELEN, after a slight pause, makes a decision and collects her handbag and gloves from the sofa.

HELEN. No, thanks, I don’t want any sherry. I’ll be going now. (She moves towards the double doors, then pauses and looks back)

TheDOCTORenters downRand stands by the door.

I shall get my own way, you know. I always do.

HELENsweeps out upC.

LISA. (taking some glasses from the cupboard) You will have a glass of sherry, Doctor?

DOCTOR. Thank you. (He crosses toLCand puts his bag down) That’s a very determined young woman.

LISA. (pouring two glasses of sherry) Yes. She has fallen in love with Karl, of course.

DOCTOR. I suppose that happens fairly often?

LISA. Oh, yes. I remember being frightfully in love myself with my professor of mathematics. He never even noticed me. (She crosses to theDOCTOR, hands him a glass of sherry, then sits on the left arm of the sofa)

DOCTOR. But you were probably younger than that girl.

LISA. Yes, I was younger.

DOCTOR. (sitting in the armchair) You don’t think that Karl may respond?

LISA. One never knows. I don’t think so.

DOCTOR. He’s used to it, you mean?

LISA. He’s not used to it from quite that type of girl. Most of the students are rather an unattractive lot, but this girl has beauty and glamour and money—and she wants him very badly.

DOCTOR. So you are afraid.

LISA. No, I’m not afraid, not for Karl. I know what Karl is. I know what Anya means to him and always will. If I am afraid . . . (She hesitates)

DOCTOR. Yes?

LISA. Oh, what does it matter? (She takes refuge in her sherry)

KARLenters downR.

KARL. (crossing toRC) So my importunate young lady has gone.

LISArises and pours a glass of sherry forKARL.

DOCTOR. A very beautiful girl. Are many of your students like that, Karl?

KARL. Fortunately, no, or we should have more complications than we have already. (He sits on the sofa at the left end)

DOCTOR. (rising) You must be careful, my boy. (He sets down his glass and picks up his bag, then moves upC)

KARL. (amused) Oh, I am careful. I have to be.

LISAmoves upRC.

DOCTOR. And if you do give her private lessons, have Lisa there as chaperon. Good night, Lisa.

LISA. Good night, Doctor.