The Mousetrap

KARL. (rather far away and staring afterLISA) Of course.

HELEN. (moving toRof the armchair) I do hope you’re not angry. I dare say you feel I’m not much good as a scholar. But you see, I’ve never had any proper training. Only a silly sort of fashionable education. But I will work hard, I will, really.

KARL. (coming back to earth) Good. (He goes to the desk and makes some notes on a sheet of paper) We will commence a serious life of study. I can lend you some books. You shall take them away and read them, then you will come at an hour that we fix and I shall ask you certain questions as to the conclusions you draw from them. (He turns toHELEN) You understand?

HELEN. (moving upC) Yes. May I take the books now? Daddy’s waiting for me in the car.

KARL. Yes. That is a good idea. You’ll need to buy these. (He gives her the list he has written) Now, let me see. (He goes to the bookcase R of the double doors and picks out two large volumes, murmuring under his breath as he does so.)

HELENwatchesKARL.

KARL. (Almost to himself as he picks the volumes) You must have Lecomte, yes, and possibly Wertfor. (ToHELEN) Do you read German? (He moves toLof the tableRC)

HELEN. (moving toLofKARL) I know a little hotel German.

KARL. (sternly) You must study German. It is impossible to get anywhere without knowing French and German thoroughly. You should study German grammar and composition three days a week.

HELENmakes a slight grimace.

(He looks sharply at HELEN and hands her the two books) The books are rather heavy, I’m afraid.

HELEN. (taking the books and nearly dropping them) Ooh—I should say they are. (She sits on the left arm of the sofa and glances through the books) It looks rather difficult. (She leans on KARL’s shoulder slightly as she looks at the books) You want me to read all of it?

KARL. I should like you to read it through with especial attention to chapter four and chapter eight.

HELEN. (leaning almost against him) I see.

KARL. (crossing to the desk) Shall we say next Wednesday afternoon at four o’clock?

HELEN. (rising) Here? (She puts the books on the sofa)

KARL. No. At my room in the university.

HELEN. (rather pleased) Oh, thank you, Professor Hendryk. (She crosses above the armchair toRofKARL) I really am grateful. I am indeed, and I shall try very hard. Please don’t be against me.

KARL. I’m not against you.

HELEN. Yes, you are. You feel you’ve been bullied into this by me and my father. But I’ll do you credit. I will, really.

KARL. (smiling) Then that is understood. There is no more to be said.

HELEN. It’s sweet of you. Very sweet of you. I am grateful. (She gives KARL a sudden quick kiss on the cheek, then turns away, gathers up the books, moves up C and stands in the doorway, smiling at KARL. Coyly) Wednesday. At four?