The Mousetrap

LOMBARD. And everything went off well at the inquest. They called you a plucky girl, and you kept discreetly quiet about Hugh’s part in the business.

VERA. Do you think anyone would have believed me? Besides, I couldn’t! I really was in love with him.

LOMBARD. Well, it’s a pretty story. And then I suppose Hugh let you down?

VERA. Do you think I ever wanted to see him again?

LOMBARD. You certainly are an accomplished liar, Vera.

VERA. Can’t you believe the truth when you hear it?

LOMBARD. Who set the trap that killed Blore? I didn’t—and Armstrong’s dead. I’ve broken most of the Commandments in my time—and I’m no saint. But there’s one thing I won’t stand for and that’s murder.

VERA. You won’t stand for murder. What about those natives you left to die in Africa?

LOMBARD. That’s what’s so damn funny—I didn’t.

VERA. What do you mean?

LOMBARD. For once—just once, mark you—I played the hero. Risked my life to save the lives of my men. Left them my rifle and ammunition and all the food there was—and took a chance through the bush. By the most incredible luck it came off—but it wasn’t in time to save them. And the rumour got around that I’d deliberately abandoned my men. There’s life for you!

VERA. Do you expect me to believe that? Why, you actually admitted the whole thing.

LOMBARD. I know. I got such a kick out of watching their faces.

VERA. You can’t fool me with a stupid lie like that.

LOMBARD. (Completely losing his temper) Blast you!

VERA. (To Right window) Why didn’t I see it before? It’s there in your face—the face of a killer—

LOMBARD. You can’t fool me any longer.

VERA. Oh—(VERA sways forward as if fainting. LOMBARD runs to catch her. She wrests the revolver from him.) Now!

LOMBARD. (Backing away down Left) You cunning little devil!

VERA. If you come on one step nearer, I’ll shoot.

LOMBARD. You—young, lovely, and quite, quite mad.

(LOMBARD makes a movement to VERA. She shoots. He falls down Left. She goes over to him, her eyes full of horror, as she realizes what she has done. The revolver falls from her hand. Suddenly she hears a low laugh coming from the study door. She turns her head slowly in that direction. The laughter grows louder, the Right door slowly opens and WARGRAVE enters. He carries a rope in his hand.)

WARGRAVE. It’s all come true. My Ten Little Indian plan—My rhyme—my rhyme—

VERA. Ah! (Stifted scream.)