The Thirteenth Chair | Page 7

from the 'ouse the first minute I can.
HELEN. But, mother, there's no shame. I'm proud--
ROSALIE. Tell them afterwards if you must tell them, but let me get away before you do so. (In her normal voice again.) Remember now, mademoiselle, all the love in the world is 'anging above you and praying for your 'appiness. Do not let it go for the love of 'Eaven.
(Buzz of conversation. ROSALIE turns to WALES L. HELEN stands looking after her. WILLIAM comes to HELEN B.C.)
WILLIAM. What did she tell you?
HELEN. You heard most of it. I'll tell you the rest later.
(WILLIAM and HELEN go up R.C.)
ROSALIE. I think I 'ad better go from 'ere.
(MISS EASTWOOD and TRENT come down L.)
WALES. That's absurd. (To the others.) Madame la Grange wants to call off the seance.
MISS EASTWOOD (down L.). I thought she might.
(MASON above table R.)
ROSALIE. Did you really, miss?
MRS. CROSBY. Oh, won't you please stay?
(WILLIAM and HELEN R.C. MISS ERSKINE above table R.)
ROSALIE (coming C.). I am afraid I cannot, madame. I am not feeling right. I am not just myself, madame.
WALES (L.C.). Really, Madame la Grange? I'm afraid under the circumstances--
ROSALIE (getting hand-bag from chair). I am very sorry, but I must go from 'ere.
MISS EASTWOOD (moving L. of ROSALIE). I think it's a shame to bother her. And I think she's quite right to go. Her sort of tricks aren't for people of intelligence.
HELEN. Oh, won't you please stay? (To ROSALIE now C.)
ROSALIE. I must not.
HELEN. Won't you as a great favour to me?
ROSALIE. Well, miss, since you ask it, I will stay.
(MISS EASTWOOD laughs. She and TRENT go up L. CROSBY is by chesterfield C. MASON below table R. MRS. CROSBY is seated at lower end of table. MRS. TRENT comes to arm-chair L.C. and sits.)
MRS. CROSBY. I'm very glad. Really I'm greatly interested.
ROSALIE (crosses R.). Thank you, madame.
CROSBY (coming down C.). I think after what we've seen, we must ask Madame la Grange to submit to certain conditions.
ROSALIE. Anything at all, sir--anything at all.
MASON (down R.). I agree with you. Frankly this woman impresses me. I think this test should be taken seriously.
(MISS EASTWOOD at the L. end of the chesterfield, laughs.)
WALES (L.C.). Just what I was going to say.
CROSBY (R.C.). If you will submit to the conditions we impose, Madame la Grange, and then show us any manifestations, I will never scoff at anything again.
ROSALIE. Scoffing is the easiest thing anybody can do.
(CROSBY crosses down R. below table.)
If I could stop that even in one person, it would be a good thing. What is it that you do want?
CROSBY. I want the window fastened.
MASON. That's the idea.
CROSBY (coming in front of table R.). Then we will have the doors locked. Will that be all right?
ROSALIE. Oh, certainly all right.
MISS EASTWOOD (coming down L.C.). At the risk of seeming unnecessarily sceptical, I'm going to suggest that we search Madame la Grange--that is, of course, if she's willing.
(MISS ERSKINE and MISS STANDISH are at back of table R.)
ROSALIE (C.). But why not? There are no 'oles in my stockings.
(All laugh.)
MASON (down R.). I suppose it's going to be difficult for you to get results if we are all so antagonistic, Madame la Grange?
(MISS EASTWOOD goes up L.C.)
ROSALIE. It is, sir, and it is not. If there is any who wants to communicate with any 'ere, maybe they can reach us. I do not know. I do not understand you. I showed you all the tricks; would I have done that, if I wanted to--to--fool you? Certainly I would not. Then why will you not believe that I am 'onest?
WALES (down L.). I'm sure Madame la Grange is perfectly honest. We've made certain stipulations to which she has agreed. I think we've discussed matters enough already. We're ready if you are, Madame la Grange.
ROSALIE. I am ready.
(CROSBY looks at window fastenings R.)
MRS. CROSBY (seated at table over R.). Do you know, I don't believe it will be necessary to subject Madame la Grange to being searched. I'm quite sure we can spare her that indignity.
ROSALIE. I do not mind if you fine ladies will not be shocked at seeing my plain lingerie.
(WALES moves up L. General laugh. Miss ERSKINE joins WILLIAM and HELEN R.C.)
MRS. CROSBY (moving to L. of ROSALIE C.). Come with me then, please. I'm sure we won't be shocked. (Aside to ROSALIE.) I wear that kind myself.
ROSALIE. Truly, madame?
(They go to door L.)
MRS. CROSBY (at door L.), We shan't be long.
ROSALIE (at door L.). Madame, would you mind if all the ladies come? Then they will all be sure I am concealing nothing.
(The ladies all talk together and go out L. WALES closes the door down L. CROSBY comes from lack of table R. to chesterfield.)
WILLIAM (by table R.). Do you really want that window fastened?
(STANDISH is behind the