The Mousetrap

DOCTOR. I met Karl at the end of the street and we came along together. (He puts his coat on the chair above the tableRC) D’you know what I prescribe for you, Karl? A little alcohol. A stiff brandy, eh. Lisa?

LISAmakes a slight move.

No—I know my way about. (He goes to the cupboard under the bookcase R, takes out a bottle of brandy and a glass, and pours a stiff drink) He’s had a shock, you know. A bad shock.

KARL. I have told him about Helen.

DOCTOR. Yes, he told me.

LISA. It’s not been such a shock to you, I gather?

DOCTOR. I’ve been worried, you know. I didn’t think Anya was a suicidal type and I couldn’t see any possibility of an accident. (He crosses to R of KARL and gives him the brandy) And then the inquest aroused my suspicions. Clearly the police were behind the verdict. (He sits L of LISA on the sofa) Yes, it looked fishy. The police questioned me fairly closely and I couldn’t help seeing what they were driving at. Of course, they didn’t actually say anything.

LISA. So you were not surprised?

DOCTOR. No, not really. That young woman thought she could get away with anything. Even murder. Well, she was wrong.

KARL. (in a low voice) I feel responsible.

DOCTOR. Karl, take it from me, you weren’t responsible in any way. Compared to that young woman you’re an innocent in arms. (He rises and moves up C) Anyway, the whole thing’s out of your hands now.

LISA. You think he should go to the police?

DOCTOR. Yes.

KARL. No.

DOCTOR. Because you insist on feeling partly responsible? You’re too sensitive.

KARL. Poor wretched child.

DOCTOR. (crossing above the armchair and standing downL) Callous, murdering little bitch! That’s nearer the mark. And I shouldn’t worry before you need. Ten to one it’ll never come to an arrest. (He crosses below KARL to RC) Presumably she’ll deny everything—and there’s got to be evidence, you know. The police may be quite sure who’s done a thing, but be unable to make out a case. The girl’s father is a very important person. One of the richest men in England. That counts.

KARL. There I think you are wrong.

DOCTOR. Oh, I’m not saying anything against the police. (He moves up C) If they’ve got a case they’ll go ahead, without fear or favour. All I mean is that they’ll have to scrutinize their evidence with extra care. And on the face of it there can’t really be much evidence, you know. Unless, of course, she breaks down and confesses the whole thing. And I should imagine she’s much too hard-boiled for that.

KARL. She confessed to me.

DOCTOR. That’s different. Though as a matter of fact I can’t see why she did. (He moves and sits on the left arm of the sofa) Seems to me a damn silly thing to do.

LISA. Because she was proud of it.

DOCTOR. (looking curiously at her) You think so?

KARL. It is true—that’s what is so terrible.

The front door bell rings.

Who can that be?

DOCTOR. One of your boys or girls, I expect. (He rises) I’ll get rid of them.

TheDOCTORexits upCtoR. KARLrises and puts his glass on the desk.

OGDEN. (off) Could I see Professor Hendryk, please?

DOCTOR. (off) Would you come this way, please.

TheDOCTORenters upCfromRand stands to one side.

It’s Inspector Ogden.

DETECTIVEINSPECTOROGDENandPOLICESERGEANTPEARCEenter upCfromR. OGDENhas a pleasant manner and a poker face. TheSERGEANTcloses the doors, then stands above the tableRC.

OGDEN. (very pleasantly) I hope we’re not disturbing you, Professor Hendryk.

KARL. (moving downL) Not at all.

OGDEN. Good evening, Miss Koletzky. I expect you didn’t think you would see me again—but we have a few more questions to ask. It was an open verdict, you understand. Insufficient evidence as to how the deceased lady came to take the fatal dose.

KARL. I know.

OGDEN. Have your own ideas changed as to that, sir, since we first talked about it?

KARLlooks quickly atLISA. OGDENand theSERGEANTnote the look and exchange quick glances. There is a pause.

KARL. (deliberately) They have not changed. I still think it must have been some sort of—accident.