The Mousetrap

LISA. I do mean it. I’ve been thinking it really for a long time. (She moves below the left end of the sofa) I’ve thought of it all these days in court. I didn’t really think they’d acquit me. I don’t know why they did. The judge didn’t seem to think there was much reasonable doubt. But I suppose some of the jury believed me. There was one little man who kept on looking at me as though he was sizing me up. Just a commonplace ordinary little man—but he looked at me and thought I hadn’t done it—or perhaps he thought I was the kind of woman that he’d like to go to bed with and he didn’t want me to suffer. I don’t know what he thought—but—he was a person looking at another person and he was on my side and perhaps he persuaded the others. And so I’m free. I’ve been given a second chance to start life again. I’m starting again—alone.

LISAexits downR. KARLcrosses and sits on the sofa.

KARL. (pleadingly) Lisa. You can’t mean it. You can’t be so cruel. You must listen. Lisa. I implore you.

LISAre-enters downR. She carries a small silver photo frame. She remains downR, facingKARL.

LISA. No, Karl. What happens to the women who love you? Anya loved you and she died. Helen loved you and she’s dead. I—have been very near death. I’ve had enough. I want to be free of you—for ever.

KARL. But where will you go?

There is a pause asLISAcrosses belowKARLtoC.

LISA. You told me to go away and marry and have children. Perhaps that’s what I’ll do. If so, I’ll find someone like that little man on the jury, someone who’ll be human and a person, like me. (She suddenly cries out) I’ve had enough. I’ve loved you for years and it’s broken me. I’m going away and I shall never see you again. Never!

KARL. Lisa!

LISA. (moving downL) Never!

TheDOCTORis suddenly heard calling from the hall.

DOCTOR. (off; calling) Karl! Karl!

TheDOCTORenters upCfromRand moves towardsKARL, without noticingLISA.

It’s all right, my boy. She’s acquitted. (During this he is quite out of breath) Do you understand? She’s acquitted. (He suddenly sees LISA and crosses to her with outstretched arms) Lisa—my dear Lisa. Thank God we’ve got you safe. It’s wonderful. Wonderful!

LISA. (trying to respond to him) Yes, it’s wonderful.

DOCTOR. (holding her away from him and looking her up and down) How are you? A little fine drawn—thinner—only natural with all you’ve been through. But we’ll make it up to you. (He crosses above the armchair to KARL) We’ll look after you. As for Karl here, you can imagine the state he’s been in. Ah, well, thank God that’s all over now. (He turns to KARL) What do you say—shall we go out—celebrate? A bottle of champagne—eh? (He beams expectantly)

LISA. (forcing a smile) No, Doctor—not tonight.

DOCTOR. Ah, what an old fool I am. Of course not. You need rest.

LISA. I am all right. (She moves towards the doors upC) I must just get my things together.

DOCTOR. (moving toLISA) Things?

LISA. I am not—staying here.

DOCTOR. But . . . (Enlightened) Oh, I see—well, perhaps that is wise—with people like your Mrs. Roper about, with their evil minds and tongues. But where will you go? To an hotel? Better come to us. Margaret will be delighted. It’s a very tiny room that we have, but we’ll look after you well.

LISA. How kind you are. But I have all my plans made. Tell—tell Margaret that I will come to see her very soon.

LISAgoes into the hall and exits to her bedroom. TheDOCTORturns back toKARLand begins to realize that all is not well.

DOCTOR (moving C) Karl—is anything wrong?

KARL. What should be wrong?

DOCTOR. (semi-relieved) She has been through a terrible ordeal. It takes a little time to—to come back to normal. (He looks around) When I think we sat here—waiting—with that damn telephone ringing all the time—hoping—fearing—and now—all over.

KARL. (tonelessly) Yes—all over.