Night Must Fall : a Play in Three Acts

A bit o' love now and again. Though J ow they make do with all them pine-needles beats me. Miss Grayne's always moping round the woods. Perhaps she can tell you some thing. Yes, I'm coming to that. But no tramps, for instance? N-no, I don't think so. I'd like to see a tramp try anything on with me. What's all the fuss about? Has there been a robbery or something? There's a lady missing. Dyed plati num blonde widow of a colonel, so she says, livin' alone, so she says, always wearin' them faldalaldy openwork stockings. Fond of a drop too.

Why, d'you know her? Never set eyes on 'er.

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But you know how people talk. Partial to that there, too, I'm told. Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. Chal font left the Tallboys last Friday afternoon, without a hat, went for a walk through the woods in this direction, and has never been seen since. I expect she was so drunk she fell flat and never came to. We've had the woods pretty well thrashed.

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She may have had a brain-storm, you know, and taken a train some where. That's not uncommon, you know, among people of her sort. Airing knowledge And if what we gather from our friend here's trueand she's both a dipsomaniac and a nymphomaniac MRS. We found her bag in her room ; and maniacs can't get far without cash. She was a very flashy type of wo she is a flashy type, I should say. At least I hope I should say. You don't mean she may be From a policeman too. Anybody'd think you'd been brought up on penny dreadfuls.

Did you see about the fellow being hanged for the Ipswich mur der? In last night's papers? I've lived long enough not to believe the papers. They occasionally print facts. And mur der's occasionally a fact. Everybody likes a good murder, as the saying goes! Remember those trials in the Eve ning Standard last year? I'd be very grateful if you'd all keep your eyes and ears open, just in case Shaking hands Good morning Had you remembered something?

What were you thinking, then? Well, here we all are, perfectly ordinary English people. Of course it's silly. I want to hear what she's got to say. Hidden under a bush, with two feet just showing. Perhaps one high heel catching the sunlight, with a bird perched on the end of it ; and the other a stock inged foot, with blood And there's a man walking about somewhere, and talking, like us ; and he woke up this morning, and looked at the weather. And he killed her Smiling, looking out of the window The cat doesn't believe a word of it, anyhow.

It's just walking away. Ooh, Miss Grayne, you give me the creeps! I don't think the lady can quite describe herself as ordinary, after that little flight of fancy 1 MRS. Oh, that's nothing ; she writes poetry. I can only hope she's wrong, or it'll mean a nice job of work for us! Pity you're not on the 'phone. Good morning Good morning MRS. No, don't bother Good morning. What are you star ing at? Funny, I can't get out of my mind what Olivia said about the man being somewhere who's done it. Laurie, it might be you! After all, there's noth ing in your face that proves it isn't! You're being a bit hard on the old countenance, aren't you?

Well, 'e's not going to walk about with bloodshot eyes and a snarl all over his face, is he? She goes into the kitchen. She's more likely than not at this very moment sitting in some saloon bar. Or the films, I shouldn't wonder. A knock at the kitchen door: Was it about me? Of course it wasn't. Oh Please, mum, Vs 'ere. My boy fr my gentleman friend, ma'am, from the Tallboys.

I'm ready for him. She goes out through the -front door. The maid's going to have a baby. She crosses and puts the wool in the cupboard of the desk. Is she, by Jove Don't look at me like that, Mrs. I've only been in the county two weeks But is he from the Tall boys? A page-boy or something of the sort. DORA comes back to the front door, looks back, and beckons. She is followed by DAN, who saun ters past her into the room.

His personality varies very considerably as the play proceeds: DORA shuts the front door and comes to the back of the sofa. Silly name, isn't it? I must apologise to all and sundry for this fancy dress, but it's my working togs. I been on duty this morning and my hands isn't very clean. You see, I didn't know as it was going to be a party. Well, it's ladies, isn't it? Are you shy with ladies?

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You smoke, I see. Taking the stub out of his mouth with alacrity and taking off his hat Oh, I'm sorry. I always forget my manners with a ciga rette when I'm in company Pushing the stub behind his ear, as OLIVIA crosses to the armchair I always been clumsy in people's houses. You know my maid, Dora Parkoe, I believe?

Well, we have met, yes Go away 1 DORA creeps back into the kitchen. You walked out with her last August Bank Holi day? Yes Excuse me smiling, but it sounds funny when you put it like that, doesn't it? You ought to be ashamed of yourself. How did it happen?

Were you in love with the wench? When did you first meet her? Er bank holiday morning. Picked her up, I suppose? Oh, no, I didn't pick her up! You seem to have succeeded. I've thought about it a good bit since, I can tell you. Though it's a bit awkward talking about it in front of strangers; though you all look very nice people ; but it is a bit awkward HUBERT: I haven't finished with him yet. In that case I'm going for my stroll He makes for the door to the hall. You work at the Tallboys, don't you? Grinning Twenty-four hours a day, miss.

Then perhaps you can tell us something about the female who's been murdered? Well, can you tell us? You know there was a Mrs. Chalfont staying at the Tallboys who went off one day? And nobody's seen her since? But I thought you said or somebody said something about a murder? Yes, there might have been, yes! I used to take cigarettes an' drinks for her. What's she like f DAN: Go on 1 DAN after a pause, in a level voice: Thin eye brows, with white marks, where they was pulled out Laughs a bit loud ; and then it stops.

After a pause She's With a quick smile that dispels the atmosphere he has unaccountably created You can't say I don't keep my eyes skinned, can you? I should say you do! A living portrait, if ever there was one, what? Weren't you going for a walk? So I was, by Jove! Well, charge off. He goes out of the front door. Well, the ladies, you know. If he weren't so observant, that Dora mightn't be in the flummox she is now. You don't sound very repentant. Well, what's done's clone's my motto, isn't it?

He makes a gri mace after her and holds his left hand out, the thumb pointing downwards. And what does that mean?

She's a nice bit of ice for next summer,, isn't she? You're a proper one to talk about next summer, when Dora there'll be up hill and down dale with a perambulator. Now look here, young man, immorality MRS. The butcher wants paying. And 'e says there's men ferreting at the bottom of the garden looking for that Mrs.

Ghalfont and do you know about it. Well, they won't ferret long, not among my pampas grass Oh, that girl's never there. Wheeling herself furiously towards the kitchen as MRS. I don't want to be pushed into the nettles to-day, thank you Shouting loudly as she disappears into the kitchen Come out of my garden, you I Come out 1 MRS. Won't let me pay the butcher, so I won't know where she keeps 'er purse ; but I do know, so put that in your pipe and smoke it!

DAN going to her and jabbing her playfully in the arm: They say down at the Tallboys she's got enough inside of 'er purse, too. Well, nobody's seen it open. If you 'ave a peep inside, young fellow, you'll go down in 'istory, that's what you'll do Dan salutes her.

She sniffs Something's boiling over. Bramson call me, do you know? He surveys her from under drooping lids, rolling his cigarette on his lower lip. I'm sorry, I don't know your name. Oh She senses his insolence, goes self-consciously to the desk and takes out the wool. Not much doin' round here for a girl, itf there? It is not a very entertaining quarter of the world for a young lady, is it? He gives it up as a bad job. DORA comes in from the kitchen.

I'm not a snob, but, in case you ever call here again, I'd like to point out that though I'm employed by my aunt, I'm not quite in Dora's position. Oh, I hope not She turns away, con fused. He moves to her. I'm going to marry her. I don't believe you. DAN after a pause: You don't like me, do you?

DAN with a smile: Well, everybody else does! Your eyes are set quite wide apart, your hands are quite good I don't really know what's wrong with you. DAN looks at his outspread hands. He breaks it, and goes nearer to her. You know, I've been looking at you too. You're lonely, aren't you? I'm sorry, it's a waste of time doing your stuff with me.

I'm not the type. Crossing to the desk and turning suddenly to him Are you play ing up to Mrs. It crossed my mind for a minute. You stand a pretty poor chance there, you know. DAN after a pause, smiling: What d'you bet me? They say they've got permits to look for that silly woman who are they, I'd like to know? If there's anything I hate, it's these men who think they've got authority.

I don't think they're quite as bad as men who think they've got charm. She goes back into the sun-room. What did she mean by that? Well, it's no good her thinkin' she's got any, is it? Now, young man, what about Dora? Wait a minute Putting his hat on the table and going to her Are you sure you're com fortable like that? Don't you think, Mrs. Bram- son, you ought to be facin' He moves her chair round till she is in the centre of the room, facing the sun-room] You're looking pale, you know.

As she stares at him, putting the stub in an ashtray on the table I am sorry. Excuse rudeness Another thing, Mrs. This October weather's very treacherous. Did you say pale? His wiles fully turned on, but not overdone in the slightest The minute I saw you just now, I said to myself, now there's a lady that's got a lot to contend with. Oh Well, I have. Nobody knows it better than me. I'm sorry Diffidently I didn't ha' ought to say that. As true as you are my witness, and nobody else Pulling herself together Now look here, about that girl DAN: Excuse me a minute Examining her throat, like a doctor Would you mind savin' something?

What d'you want me to say? There's a funny twitching in your neck when you talkvery slight, of course nerves, I expect But I hope your doctor knows all about it D'you mind if I ask what your ailments are? Hadn't you better sit down? Well, I have the most terrible palpitations. But the way you get about! It's a pretty bad thing to have, you know.

D'you know that nine women out of ten in your positioned be just sittin' down givin' way? Yes, they would 1 I do know, as a matter of fact. I've known people with palpitations. My mother, as a matter of fact With finely controlled emotion, practically in- distinguishable from the real thing, I can just remember her. She died when I was six. I know that, be cause my dad died two years before that. As a matter o' fact MRS. Oh, no, it's a daft thing MRS. It's only fancy, I suppose. As he nods simply, her sentimentality stirring Oh Have you got a son?

I haven't anybody at all. Oh But I don't like to talk too much about my mother. Putting a finger unobtru sively to his eye Makes me feel. And the same palpitations? And the same palpitations. You don't mind me talking about your health, do you? Well, d'you know, you ought to get used to letting other people do things for you. You ought to be very careful.

After a pause, eyeing him as he smiles at her You're a funny boy to be a page-boy. Well, now I come to talk to you, you seem so much better class I mean, you know so much of the world DAN: I've knocked about a good bit, you know. Never had any advantages, but I always tried to do the right thing.

I think you de serve better sharply again Talking of the right thing, what about Dora? No, I can stand it. It's the way you talked about your mother. That's what it was. Shall I pack these books? DAN going to her with alacrity, taking the parcel from her: I'm passing Shepperley post office on the bike before post time to-morrow morning. With pleasure 1 MRS. Have you got to go back? Well, no, not really I've finished on duty now I done that errand, and this is my half day. Well I don't like to impose myself MRS. In the kitchen, of course.

Oh, I know MRS. There's plenty of food I Stay to lunch! Well I don't know In the kitchen somewhere. That boy's got understanding. Enough to marry Dora? You ought to learn to be a little less bitter, my dear. Never hook a man if you don't. With him and that Dora, I'm not so sure it wasn't six of one and half a dozen of the other. I know human nature, and, mark my word, that boy's going to do big things. A scurry in the garden. They've got it in the papers! First time I ever 'eard of Shep perley being in print before hi! She races out of the front door. Running around the house shout ing like a lunatic I Sensation mad!

DORA runs in from kitchen. They've got it in the papers 1 MRS. Oh, I expect it's nothink after all. Here it is Reading "Disappeared mysteriously I should think she is. I can't find it! Oh yes It's the 'eadline in this one. Those men have done rummaging in the garden, anyway. I must go this minute and have a look at ray pampas grass. And if they've dam aged it I'll bring an action.

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Fancy Shepperley bein' in print. Wheel me out, and don't talk so much. I could talk me 'ead off and not talk as much as some people I could mention. She spreads her paper on the table and finds DAN'S hat under it. She picks it up and looks at it ; DAN comes in from the kitchen with a ball of tangled string, a cigarette between his lips. He is about to take the books into the kitchen, when he sees her. He crosses to her. Excuse me Taking the hat from her, cheerfully I think I'll hang it in the hall, same as if I was a visitor He does so, then takes up the books, sits on the sofa, and begins to unravel the string.

It's not for me to say. As I told you before, I'm really a servant here. You're not a very ordinary servant, though, are you? The humming gradually resolves itself into faint singing. Singing "I'm a pretty little feller.

She turns her head and looks at him. The Curtain begins to fall slowly. The weather is a little duller. She has smartened up her appear ance in the interval and is wearing purple, and earrings. OLIVIA is sitting opposite her, smoking a cigarette, a pencil and pad on the table in front of her; she is pondering and writing.

A portable gramophone on a small table next the desk is playing the H. Is my cigarette worrying you? DAN enters from the kitchen, keeping time to the music, carrying a bunch of roses, wearing overalls over flannel trousers and a brown golf jacket, and smoking. He crosses to the gramophone, still in rhythm, MRS. His hand to his forehead That's me! Leave me alone, and don't interfere. DAN makes a quick movement and puts one card on another.

No, that's a spade. No such thing ; it's a club. It's got a wiggle on it. They both got wiggles on 'em. Pointing to another card This is a club. Oh yes, dear, so it is! The ironmonger says there were two extra gallons of paraffin not paid for. And they won't be paid for either --not if I have to go to law about it. DAN sits on the left of the table, where "East Lynne" is open on the table. I'm sick of patience. DAN turns back the page and surveys what he has been reading, scratching his head. Them men's in the wood again. The men lookin' for that Mrs. DAN hums "Dames" under his breath.

You don't mean to tell me they're still at it? But they've been pottering about since Dan left the Tallboys? DORA stressing a little bitterly: This 1 She holds out her left arm and lets fall from her fist the length of a soiled belt. Yes, of course, it's mine! I missed it last week MRS. Oh yes, I thought I recognised it What nonsense I DAN looks at her, chuckling.

I'm ever so disap pointed She goes into the kitchen. She'll be joining Scotland Yard next Go on, dear. Clapping his hands, to MRS. He hurries to the medicine cupboard and pours medicine into a spoon. Dora's found a belt! I say, what a shame 1. All this sensation- mong DAN drowns her speech by deftly pouring the spoonful of medicine down her throat. He pushes her chocolate-box towards her, and strides briskly into the hall.

Good for you, though, the way you are MRS. Yes, dear, DAN coming into the room, and beginning to take off his overalls]: Have you got my pills? I got them in my pocket. I got them in my pocket too. Here's your hat better put it on yourself. And here's your shawl. It isn't a shawl, it's a cape. Well, I don't know, do I? And I carry your rug on my shoulder To the others See you later!

Shutting the front door, his voice dying as the chair passes the left window. Down this way to-day A pause. What do you think of him? Grannie's white-headed boy, you mean? A bit slow on the uptake, of course. I wish he'd occasionally take that fag-end out of his mouth. That's why he's made such a hit with her. Funny I haven't been able to manage it. In two weeks, too. I think it's clever. What do we know about him? He looks pretty honest.

It's rather frightening to think what a face can hide. I sometimes catch sight of one looking at me. Careful lips, and blank eyes And then I find I'm staring at myself in the glass. Windows, with blinds, and behind them. What's behind his eyes? After a pause, with a smile You're quite right, it is morbid. D'you think he's a thief or something? I know he is! But he's acting pretty well, because I don't know how I know He's walking about here all day, and talking a little, and smiling, and smoking cigarettes Impenetrable. What's he thinking of? Vehemently He is thinking of something! DAN enters from the front door and smiles broadly at them.

Anybody seen my lady's pills? They're in the top drawer of the desk. He salutes her, goes to the desk, and takes out the pills. Is she feeling oi: DAN on his way to the front door: She's never been on it, man! To hear her go on you'd think the only thing left is artificial respiration, And chocolates Laughing, and calling Coming!

He goes, shutting the front door behind him. No, really you have to laugh! But what youVe just seen. He's not being himself for a minute it's all put on for our benefit. D'you know, I think you're in love with him. I was only joking. He's common and insolent, and I dislike him intensely. What'll you 'ave for tea, scones or crumpets? What d'you think of Dan?

Oh, 'e's all right. Bit of a mystery. Terrible liar, o' course. But then a lot of us are. Told me he used to 'unt to 'ounds and 'ave 'is own pack. Before 'e went up in the world and went as a page-boy, I suppose. He wouldn't try that on with us, but couldn't resist it with her.

I wonder how soon the old girlll get his number? Oh, but fair play, we're talk ing about the chap as if he were the most terrible MRS. Why, what's 'e done? I don't know, but I feel so strongly Oh, she won't know anything. Did somebody say Dora? Has Dan said any more about marry ing you? She 'asn't brought it up again, either,. Does he talk to you at all?

I've never really spent any time in 'is company, you see. What's your idea of him? Oh Moving to the centre of the room 'E's all right. Takes 'is fun where 'e finds it. And leaves it Cracks 'imself up, you know. They stare at her. I'm sure of it. That's just it and then he's suddenly so That "mighty-lak-a-rose" thing, you mean? It's more than that. I've kept on saying to myself: No, murder's a thing we read about in the papers ; it isn't real life ; it can't touch us, After a pause, rising decisively Bring his luggage in here, will you, Mrs. Wide-eyed, she goes into the kitchen, followed by DORA.

We may never have the house to ourselves again. She runs to each window and looks out across the forest. DORA follows, lugging an old-fashioned thick leather hat-box. They look, almost afraid. DORA moves to the back of the table. A clean pair of socks. Half ticket to Shepperley Palais de Danse.

Oh, it's a proper 'aunt 1 DORA: Oh, 'ere's a pocket-book. She gives the letter to MRS. Look here, this is going a bit too far you can't do this to a chap MRS. Don't be silly, dear, your wife'll do it to you 'undreds of times Sniffing the note- paper Pooh Reading, as they crane over her shoulder "Dear Baby-Face my own. What awful writing MRS. Next time you strike Newcastle, O. Bus ticket to Thorburton, some snaps. Here's a group Look, Hubert. This wench is rather fetching.

The impudence, 'er being taken in a bathing-suit I. He's not in this one, is 'e? In front of the tall man You remember the photograph of her in the Mirror? It's awful to think she may be dead. Looks ever so sexy, doesn't she? The little Eton collar Oh, dear Wait a minute, wasn't there another one? Oh, this ; yes But it looks so extraordi nary She gives a sudden gasp. They look at her. She is staring at the box. I don't know Suppose there is some thing.

They stare at her, -fascinated by her thought. The front door bangs. They are elec trified into action: He goes briskly to the table. She wants to sit in the sun now and have a bit of East Lynne. Talk about changin' your mind He sees the suitcases on the table before him, and is motionless and silent.

Night Must Fall : a Play in Three Acts by Emlyn Williams

The oth ers dare not move. He finally breaks the situa tion, takes up "East Lynne" from the table, and walks slowly back to the front door. His manner is normal too nor mal. Could I have it back, please? It's the only one I got Handing him the pocket-book. Thank you very much. Did you see the picture of me when I was a little fellow? It was in the inside of my wallet. Where I should be keeping my money, only any bit of money I have I always keep on me. I only keep one ten-bob note in this wal let, for emergencies Looking That's funny. The others look blankly at one another.

I expect I dropped it somewhere What did you think of the letter? You got in your hand. Well, I didn't er DAN: Means well, does Lil ; but we had a row. Taking back the letter She would spy on me. And if there's anythin' I hate, it's spyin'. I'd sooner have anythin' than a spy. He is arranging his property in his wallet. What what did you say? Bar a murderer, o' course.

Talking of murder, do you know anything about Mrs. Chalfont's where abouts at the moment? DAN turns to her, and for the first time sees the hat-box. You can't pretend you've never heard of her. Chalfont's whereabouts 1 I thought she said her name was Mrs. I've nothin' to go on, but I think she's been. What are you looking at me for? Yes, I was, as a matter of fact. What in God's name are you getting at? DAN smiles and shrugs his shoulders regretfully at him, and goes out through the front door. Are you sure you didn't do it, sir? I'm going out for a breath of air.

He takes his hat and stick as he goes through the hall. I won't say any more. I know how silly it sounds. DORA runs into the kitchen, snivelling. The way you worked us all up! Doesn't it all go to show She hears DAN return, and looks round appre hensively. He goes to the table slowly and looks at the two suitcases. Would you mind please givin' me a hand with the tidyin' up? Taking up the suitcases And carryin' the other one?

Going into the kitchen, fol lowed by MRS.

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He looks at her, his eyes narrowed. Studying her, he takes from a pocket of his jacket a formidable-looking clasp-knife, un clasps it, and tests the blade casually with his fingers. Did you do it? He whittles at the stick. You wouldn't be bad-lookin' without them glasses. It doesn't interest me very much what I look like. Don't you believe it Surveying the shavings in the hearth Teh! Clumsy Looking round, and seeing a newspaper lying on the table Ah He crosses to the table.

Smiling, with the suspicion of a mock-bow Ex cuse me He unfolds the newspaper on the table and begins to whittle the stick over it. You're very conceited, aren't you? And you are acting all the time, aren't you? DAN staring at her, as if astonished: Leaning over the table, on both arms Look at the way I can look you in the eyes. It's a very blank look, though, isn't it? You are acting, aren't you? DAN after a pause, in a whisper, almost joy fully: And what are you like when you stop acting?

Which means that the last stage of this important and extremely horrible case has now been reached. On a later page in the summing up, the learned judge said this A remarkable and in my opinion praiseworthy feature of the case has been that the sanity of the prisoner has never been called into question; and, like the learned judge, the Court must dismiss as mischievous pretence the attitude of this young man who stands convicted of two brutal murders in cold blood. This case has, from beginning to end, exhibited no feature calling for sympathy; the evidence has on every point been conclusive, and on this evidence the jury have convicted the appellant.

In the opinion of the Court there is no reason to interfere with that conviction, and this appeal must be dismissed. The chords of solemn music are heard again, and the stage gradually darkens. A few seconds later the music merges into the sound of church bells playing far away, and the lights come up on. Centre back, a small hall; in its left side the front door of the house throughout the play, "left" and "right" refer to the audience's left and right.

Thick plush curtains can be drawn across the entrance to the hall; they are open at the moment. Windows, one on each side of the hall, with window seats and net curtains beyond which can be glimpsed the pine trees of the forest. In the left wall, upstage, a door leading to the kitchen. In the left wall, downstage, the fireplace; above it, a cretonne covered sofa, next to a very solid cupboard built into the wall; below it a cane armchair.