The Mousetrap

(Into the telephone) Yes? . . . Oh, good morning, Mr. Blake . . . Yes, he’s here. (She looks through the french windows to Philip and calls) Mr. Blake, it’s your brother, he’d like to have a word with you. (She holds out the receiver)

(PHILIP rises, folds his paper, tucks it under his arm, comes into the room and takes the receiver)

PHILIP. (into the telephone) Hullo, Philip here . . .

MISSWILLIAMS. (crossing above the stool toRof it; to Caroline) That completes the school list, Mrs. Crale. I wonder if you would like to give it a final check? (She sits on the right end of the stool)

CAROLINE. (taking the list) Let me see. (She puts on her spectacles and studies the list)

PHILIP. (into the telephone) What? . . . What do you say? . . . Good Lord—are you sure? . . . (He looks round at Caroline and Miss Williams) Well, I can’t talk now . . . Yes, better come along here. I’ll meet you . . . Yes—we’ll talk it over—discuss what’s best to be done . . .

CAROLINE. (to Miss Williams) What about these?

MISSWILLIAMS. (looking at the list) Those items are optional.

PHILIP. (into the telephone) No, I can’t, now—it’s difficult . . . You are sure? Yes, but you’re a bit vague sometimes. It could have got mislaid . . . All right—if you’re sure . . . Be seeing you. (He replaces the receiver, gives a worried look at the others, goes on to the terrace and paces up and down)

CAROLINE. (giving the list to Miss Williams) I do hope I’m doing the right thing about Angela. (She removes her spectacles)

MISSWILLIAMS. I think you can be quite certain of that, Mrs. Crale.

CAROLINE. I want so terribly to do what’s best for her. You know why.

MISSWILLIAMS. Believe me, you have nothing to reproach yourself with where Angela is concerned.

CAROLINE. I—disfigured her for life. She’ll always have that scar.

(PHILIP looks off L through the pergola)

MISSWILLIAMS. One cannot alter the past.

(PHILIP exits up L, above the pergola)

CAROLINE. No. It taught me what a wicked temper I have. I’ve been on my guard ever since. But you do see, don’t you, why I’ve always spoilt her a little?

MISSWILLIAMS. School life will suit her. She needs the contacts of other minds—minds of her own age. (She rises) You’re doing the right thing—I’m sure of that. (In a business-like way) I’d better get on with her packing—I don’t know whether she wants to take any books with her.

(MISS WILLIAMS exits up C, closing the door behind her. CAROLINE sinks wearily back into her chair. PHILIP enters down L and stands looking off L. AMYAS enters by the door up L, carrying his paintbox)

AMYAS. (to Philip; irritably) Where is that girl? (He moves to his stool) Why can’t she get up in the morning?

(PHILIP, looking off L, does not answer)

(He sits, puts his paintbox on the ground beside him and arranges his gear) Have you seen her, Phil? What’s the matter with you? Has nobody given you any breakfast?

PHILIP. (turning) Eh? Oh, yes, of course. I—I’m waiting for Merry. He’s coming over. (He looks at his watch) I wonder which way he’ll come—I forgot to ask him. Upper or lower path. I could go along and meet him.

AMYAS. Lower path’s the shorter one. (He rises and goes into the room) Where the devil is that girl? (To Caroline) Have you seen Elsa? (He goes to the door up C)

CAROLINE. I don’t think she’s up yet.

(AMYAS is about to open the door)

Amyas, come here, I want to talk to you.

AMYAS. (opening the door) Not now.

CAROLINE. (firmly) Yes, now.

(AMYAS looks sheepish, but closes the door. PHILIP moves below the bench. ELSA enters down L, dressed in shorts and shirt)