The Mousetrap

(The paintbrush drops from AMYAS’ hand. The LIGHTS slowly dim to BLACK-OUT. A spotlight comes up on Justin down L)

JUSTIN. They all went in to lunch, leaving Amyas painting on the terrace. After lunch, Miss Williams and Mrs. Crale went out with coffee. Miss Williams?

(The spotlight fades. MISS WILLIAMS’ voice can be heard in the darkness)

MISSWILLIAMS. Mr. Crale often refused lunch and went on painting. It was nothing out of the ordinary. He liked a cup of coffee brought to him, though. I poured it and Mrs. Crale took it out to him, and I followed. At the trial I told what we found. But there was something else—something I have not told anyone. I think it right that I should tell it now.

(The LIGHTS come up. AMYAS lies prostate on the ground below the easel. CAROLINE and MISS WILLIAMS are in the room, standing at the stool, on which there is a tray of coffee. MISS WILLIAMS is R of the stool, pouring out a cup of coffee, which she gives to Caroline. CAROLINE takes the coffee on to the terrace)

CAROLINE. (as she goes on to the terrace) Amyas. (She sees Amyas on the ground. Horrified) Amyas! (She stands for a moment, puts the coffee-cup on the bench, rushes to Amyas, kneels beside him and picks up his hand)

(MISS WILLIAMS comes quickly on to the terrace and moves to L of Caroline)

He’s—I think he’s dead. (She is distracted) Well, go on. Quick. Telephone for a doctor or something.

(MISS WILLIAMS goes quickly into the room. As soon as Miss Williams reaches the french windows, CAROLINE gives a furtive look round, takes out her handkerchief, picks up the beer bottle, wipes it, then presses Amyas’ hand round it. MEREDITH enters up C)

MISSWILLIAMS. (to Meredith) Get Dr. Fawcett, quickly. It’s Mr. Crale. He’s been taken ill.

(MEREDITH stares at Miss Williams for a moment, then moves to the telephone and lifts the receiver. MISS WILLIAMS goes on to the terrace in time to see Caroline pressing Amyas’ fingers round the bottle. MISS WILLIAMS freezes. CAROLINE rises, crosses quickly to the trolley, puts the bottle on it, then stands facing L. MISS WILLIAMS turns slowly and goes into the room)

MEREDITH. (into the telephone) Four-two, please . . . Dr. Fawcett? . . . This is Alderbury . . . Can you come at once? Mr. Crale has been taken seriously ill . . .

MISSWILLIAMS. He’s . . .

MEREDITH. (to Miss Williams) What? (Into the telephone) Just a moment. (To Miss Williams) What did you say?

(ELSA enters up C. PHILIP follows her on. They are laughing and joking)

MISSWILLIAMS. (in a clear voice) I said he’s dead.

(MEREDITH replaces the receiver)

ELSA. (staring at Miss Williams) What did you say? Dead? Amyas? (She rushes on to the terrace and stares down at Amyas) Amyas! (She draws in her breath, runs and kneels above Amyas and touches his head)

(CAROLINE turns. The others are motionless)

Quietly Amyas!

(There is a pause. PHILIP runs on to the terrace and stands below the bench. MISS WILLIAMS comes on to the terrace and stands below the french windows. MEREDITH follows her on and stands up L of the bench)