The Mousetrap

(VERONICA CRAYE enters on the terrace up Centre from Left and stands posed in the French windows. She is a very beautiful woman and knows it. She wears a resplendent evening gown and carries an evening bag. Her appearance causes a sensation. JOHN stares at her like a man dazed. MIDGE and LADY ANGKATELL rise. They all turn and stare at VERONICA.)

VERONICA. (Moving to Right ofLADYANGKATELL) You must forgive me—for bursting in upon you this way. I’m your neighbour, Lady Angkatell—from that ridiculous cottage, Dovecotes—and the most awful thing has happened. (She moves Centre and dominates the scene.) Not a single match in the house and my lighter won’t work. So what could I do? I just came along to beg help from my only neighbour within miles.

LADYANGKATELL. Why, of course. How awkward for you.

VERONICA. (Turning Right and affecting to seeJOHNquite suddenly) Why, surely—John! Why, it’s John Cristow. (She crosses to Left of JOHN and takes hold of both his hands.) Now isn’t that amazing? I haven’t seen you for years and years and years. And suddenly—to find you—here. This is just the most wonderful surprise. (To LADY ANGKATELL) John’s an old friend of mine. (She retains hold of JOHN’s left hand.) Why, John’s the first man I ever loved.

SIRHENRY. (Moving above the sofa with two drinks) Sherry? Or dry Martini?

VERONICA. No, no, thank you.

(JOHN takes a sherry from SIR HENRY.)

LADYANGKATELL. (Resuming her seat in the armchair Left Centre) Midge dear, ring the bell.

(MIDGE moves below the fireplace and presses the bell-push.)

VERONICA. I hope you don’t think it’s just too awful of me butting in like this.

LADYANGKATELL. Not at all.

SIRHENRY. (Moving up Centre) We are honoured. (He indicatesMIDGE.) My cousin, Miss Harvey. Edward Angkatell. (He looks towardsGERDA.) Er . . .

(GERDA eases down Right of JOHN.)

JOHN. And this is my wife, Veronica.

VERONICA. (Crossing belowJOHNto Left ofGERDAand taking her by the hand). Oh, but how lovely to meet you.

(GUDGEON enters Left)

GUDGEON. You rang, m’lady?

LADYANGKATELL. A dozen boxes of matches, please, Gudgeon.

(GUDGEON is momentarily taken aback, but regains his normal impassivity immediately and exits Left.)

SIRHENRY. And how do you like living at Dovecotes?

VERONICA. (Turning) I adore it (She crosses up stage to Left of the sofa and looks off Right.) I think it’s so wonderful to be right in the heart of the country—these lovely English woods—and yet to be quite near London.

SIRHENRY. You’ve no idea what a thrill you’ve caused in the neighbourhood. But you must be used to that sort of thing.

VERONICA. Well, I’ve signed a few autograph books, (She eases below the Left end of the sofa) but what I like about it here is that one isn’t in a village, and there’s no one to stare or gape. (She sits on the sofa at the Left end.) I just appreciate the peacefulness of it all.

(GUDGEON enters Left. He carries a packet of a dozen boxes of matches on a salver.)

LADYANGKATELL. (IndicatingVERONICA) For madam.

(GUDGEON crosses to VERONICA.)

VERONICA. (Taking the matches) Oh dear, Lady Angkatell—I can’t really accept . . .

LADYANGKATELL. Please. It’s nothing at all.

VERONICA. Well, I do appreciate your kindness.

(GUDGEON crosses and exits Left.)

John, do you live in this neighborhood too?

JOHN. No—no, I live in London. I’m just down here for the weekend.

VERONICA. Oh, I just can’t get over meeting you again after all these years.