The Mousetrap полностью

DOCTOR. Lisa is carrying out my orders. That is why I have told her not to leave them near you in case you should take too many. They are dangerous, you know.

ANYA. It’s just as well you don’t leave them near me. I’m sure if you did, one day I should take the whole bottle and finish it all.

DOCTOR. No, no, my dear. You wouldn’t do that.

ANYA. What good am I to anyone, just lying there, ill and a nuisance to everyone? Oh, I know they’re kind enough, but they must feel me a terrible burden.

KARL. (rising and affectionately pattingANYA’s shoulder) You are not a burden to me, Anya.

ANYA. That’s what you say, but I must be.

KARL. No, you’re not.

ANYA. I know I am. It’s not as though I am gay and amusing like I used to be. I’m just an invalid now, fretful and cross with nothing amusing to say or do.

KARL. No, no, my dear.

ANYA. If I were only dead and out of the way, Karl could marry—a young handsome wife who would help him in his career.

KARL. You would be surprised if you knew how many men’s careers have been ruined by marrying young handsome wives when they themselves are middle-aged.

ANYA. You know what I mean. I’m just a burden on you.

KARLshakes his head atANYA, gently smiling.

DOCTOR. (writing a prescription on his pad) We’ll try a tonic. A new tonic.

LISAenters upC. She carries a tray of coffee for four which she puts on the tableRC.

LISA. Have you seen your flowers, Anya? Karl brought them for you. (She pours the coffee)

KARLmoves above the work-table and picks up the vase forANYAto see.

ANYA. I don’t want to be reminded of spring. Spring in this horrible city. You remember the woods and how we went and picked the little wild daffodils? Ah, life was so happy, then, so easy. We didn’t know what was coming. Now, the world is hateful, horrible, all drab grey, and our friends are scattered, and most of them are dead, and we have to live in a foreign country.

LISAhands a cup of coffee to the doctor.

DOCTOR. Thank you, Lisa.

KARL. There are worse things.

ANYA. I know you think I complain all the time, but—if I were well I should be brave and bear it all.

ANYAputs her hand out andKARLkisses it.LISAhands a cup of coffee toANYA.

KARL. I know, my dear, I know. You have a lot to bear.

ANYA. You don’t know anything about it.

The front door bell rings.LISAexits in the hall toR.

You’re well and strong and so is Lisa. What have I ever done that this should happen to me?

KARL. (taking her hand in his) Dearest—dearest—I understand.

LISA. (off) Good afternoon.

HELEN. (off) Could I see Professor Hendryk, please?

LISA. (off) Would you come this way, please.

LISAenters upCfromR. HELENROLLANDERfollows her on.HELENis a beautiful and self-assured girl of about twenty-three.KARLmoves above the armchair.

(She stands L of the doors) Miss Rollander to see you, Karl.

HELENgoes straight towardKARL. Her manner is assured and charming.LISAwatches her sharply. TheDOCTORrising, is intrigued and interested.

HELEN. I do hope you don’t mind my butting in like this. I got your private address from Lester Cole.

LISAcrosses to the tableRCand pours more coffee.

KARL. (moving upLofANYA) Of course I do not mind. May I introduce you to my wife—Miss Rollander.

HELENstandsRofANYA. LISAgivesKARLa cup of coffee.

HELEN. (with great charm) How do you do, Mrs. Hendryk?

ANYA. How do you do? I am, you see, an invalid. I cannot get up.

HELEN. Of course not. I’m so sorry. I hope you don’t mind my coming, but I’m a pupil of your husband’s. I wanted to consult him about something.

KARL. (indicating them in turn) This is Miss Koletzky and Dr. Stoner.

HELEN. (toLISA) How do you do? (She crosses to theDOCTORand shakes hands) How do you do? (She moves upC)

DOCTOR. How do you do?

HELEN. (looking round the room) So this is where you live. Books, books, and books. (She moves down to the sofa, then sits on it)