The Mousetrap

MRS. BOYNTON. My poor dear admirable daughter-in-law. And you don’t know what to do about it.

NADINE. (In a low voice) Perhaps I do.

MRS. BOYNTON. Still going to remain devoted to Lennox however little he notices the fact? Jefferson Cope won’t wait for ever, you know.

NADINE. (Crossing below the table to Left) As long as Lennox wants me I shall stay with him.

MRS. BOYNTON. Does Lennox want you very much?

(NADINE winces.)

You must face facts, you know.

NADINE. What will you do if Raymond—escapes? (She turns to her.)

MRS. BOYNTON. I can manage Raymond.

NADINE. Perhaps you won’t be able to manage Sarah King. You may find that she’s stronger than you are.

MRS. BOYNTON. She’s a fool!

NADINE. Not Sarah.

MRS. BOYNTON. Have you been asking Lennox to go away with you lately? You haven’t had much success with that idea of yours, have you?

(NADINE turns away.)

Dear Lennox. He’s always been such an obedient, devoted son. (She laughs.)

(COPE enters Right.)

COPE. (Moving Right Centre) You sound in good spirits, Mrs. Boynton. That’s fine. I was afraid, you know, that the journey here might knock you up completely.

MRS. BOYNTON. I’m enjoying myself here. I’m enjoying myself a good deal.

COPE. It’s a wonderful place, it certainly is. (To NADINE) Are we going to have our walk? (He looks at MRS. BOYNTON) But perhaps . . .

MRS. BOYNTON. Oh, don’t mind leaving me. Nadine didn’t go on the expedition this morning. She ought to have a little exercise.

COPE. You’re always so considerate, Mrs. Boynton. (To NADINE) Shall we start? (He crosses to the slope Left.)

MRS. BOYNTON. (ToNADINE) Just give me my medicine first, dear.

(NADINE exits to the marquee.)

MRS. BOYNTON. A tired heart, you know. A tired heart. It has to be constantly stimulated. Never any good making a fuss. One must think of others—not oneself.

(NADINE enters from the marquee, carrying a glass of medicine.)

NADINE (Moving to MRS. BOYNTON) Here it is.

(MRS. BOYNTON takes the glass and drinks the medicine.)

MRS. BOYNTON. Isn’t it rather stronger than usual? (She puts the glass on the table.)

NADINE. I don’t think so.

COPE. Shall we go now?

NADINE. (Moving to the slope Left) Yes, we’ll go now.

(COPE exits up the slope.)

(She goes up the slope a few steps, then stops.) Good-bye, Mother.

MRS. BOYNTON. Good-bye.

(NADINE exits up the slope. MRS. BOYNTON chuckles a little as she is left to herself. She examines the contents of GERARD’s case, takes out a bottle or two and looks at them. LENNOX enters Right and crosses towards the marquee. He has a book in his hand but walks like one in a dream.)

Lennox.

(LENNOX does not hear.)

(Louder) Lennox. Come here.

(LENNOX moves to Right of MRS. BOYNTON.)

What have you been doing, son?

(LENNOX acts throughout as though it took a long time for words to reach him.)

LENNOX. I’ve been reading.

MRS. BOYNTON. What have you been reading?

LENNOX. I can’t remember. Was Nadine here?

MRS. BOYNTON. Yes, she’s gone for a walk with Mr. Cope.

LENNOX. Oh.

(MRS. BOYNTON looks at LENNOX for a moment or two.)

MRS. BOYNTON. Has it ever occurred to you that your wife’s in love with Jefferson Cope?

LENNOX. (Rather quicker) Nadine—in love with Cope?

MRS. BOYNTON. He’s certainly in love with her. I think you ought to be prepared, son, for the possibility that Nadine might—leave you.

LENNOX. Leave me—Nadine?

MRS. BOYNTON. He’s a very charming man, you know, and they’ve always been great friends—and it’s been a dull life for Nadine. I’m afraid you haven’t been able to be much of a companion to her.

LENNOX. Nadine. I—I couldn’t live without Nadine. (He crosses down Left.)

MRS. BOYNTON. I’m afraid you may have to live without her—whether you want to or not.

LENNOX. She said she might go . . . (He breaks off.) She asked me . . . What did she ask me?

MRS. BOYNTON. How should I know?