The Mousetrap

ROLLANDER. But you may have heard or read of a sensational new treatment started in America, of which there are great hopes. I don’t pretend to speak with any kind of medical knowledge or accuracy, but I believe that a new expensively produced antibiotic has been discovered which has an appreciable effect upon the course of the disease. It is at present unprocurable in England, but a small quantity of the drug—or whatever you call it—has been sent to this country and will be used on a few specially selected cases. I have influence in that direction, Professor Hendryk. The Franklin Institute, where this work is going on, will accept your wife as a patient if I exert my influence there.

LISArises and moves toLofKARL.

KARL. (quietly) Bribery and corruption.

ROLLANDER. (unoffended) Oh, yes, just as you say. Bribery and corruption. Not personal bribery, it wouldn’t work in your case. You would turn down any financial offer I made you. But can you afford to turn down a chance of your wife’s recovering her health?

There is a pause, thenKARLrises and goes to the double doors upC. He stands there for quite a while, then turns and comes downC.

KARL. You are quite right, Sir William. I will accept your daughter as a pupil. I will give her private tutition and as much care and attention as I would my best pupil. Does that satisfy you?

ROLLANDER. It will satisfy her. She is the kind of girl who doesn’t take no for an answer. (He rises and faces KARL C) Well, you have my word for it that when they are ready at the Franklin Institute, your wife will be accepted as a patient. (He shakes hands with KARL) That will probably be in about two months’ time.

LISAmoves to the doorsC, opens them, then stands to one side.

It only remains for me to hope the treatment will be as successful as these cases in the United States seem to have been, and that I may congratulate you in a year’s time on your wife’s being restored to health and strength. Good night, Professor Hendryk. (He starts to go then stops and turns) By the way my daughter is waiting in the car downstairs to hear the result of my embassy. Do you mind if she comes up for a moment or two? I know she’d like to thank you.

KARL. Certainly, Sir William.

ROLLANDERexits upCtoR. LISAfollows him off.KARLmoves to the desk chair and leans on the back of it.

ROLLANDER. (off) Good night.

LISA. (off) Good night, Sir William.

LISAre-enters, leaving the doors open. She stands upLC.

So the girl wins.

KARL. Do you think I should have refused?

LISA. No.

KARL. I have made Anya suffer so much already. For sticking to my principles I was turned out of the university at home. Anya has never really understood why. She never saw my point of view. It seemed to her that I behaved foolishly and quixotically. She suffered through it far more than I did. (He pauses) So now there is a chance of recovery and she must have it. (He sits at the desk)

LISA. What about those two students? Won’t one of them have to go to the wall?

KARL. Of course not. I shall make the time. I can sit up late at night to do my own work.

LISA. You’re not so young as you were, Karl. You’re already overworking yourself.

KARL. Those two boys mustn’t suffer.

LISA. If you have a breakdown, everybody will suffer.

KARL. Then I mustn’t have a breakdown. It’s fortunate that no principle is involved here.

LISA. Very fortunate—(She looks towards the door down R) for Anya.

KARL. What do you mean by that, Lisa?

LISA. Nothing, really.

KARL. I don’t understand. I’m a very simple man.

LISA. Yes. That’s what’s so frightening about you.

The thump ofANYA’s stick is heard offR.

KARL. (rising) Anya is awake. (He moves towards the door downR)

LISA. (moving downC) No, I’ll go. Your new pupil will want to see you. (She goes towards the door down R)

KARL. (as she passes him) You do believe that I have done right? (He moves and stands below the armchair)

HELENenters upCfromR.

LISA. (pausing at the doorway and turning toKARL) What is right? How do we ever know till we see the result?

LISAexits downR.

HELEN. (in the doorway) The door was open so I came straight in. Is that all right?