Act one of Alias Miss Sherlock by Arthur Lewis Tupps. This is a LibriVox
recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information Otter
Volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Alias Miss Sherlock. Cast of characters
as they are first heard to speak. Lily Anne Help at the Farm read
by Devorah Allen, Aaron Flint, The hired Man read by Ala Mapstone.
Missus Brewster from New York read by t. J. Burns Helen Brewster,
her Daughter read by Jan Broder. Leonard Fillmore, A young country Lawyer read
by Jeff Butterfield. Sarah Newcombe, sister of Missus Brewster, read by Abba
Ye. Dick Brewster read by David Purdy, Henson a Butler read by Adrian
Stephens, Ralph Deering read by Matthew Rees, Henry Markham A Detective read by
Todd ARTHA Through Higgins read by Wayne Cook, Delphine read by Jay Green Veo
Stage directions read by Michael Max Synopsis. Act one Yard of Miss Newcombe's fog,
Brookville, New York, on an afternoon late in August. Act two
The Home of Missus Brewster, New York City two weeks later. Act three
an apartment uptown, New York. Two more days have elapsed. Act four
same as Act two, three weeks later, time of playing two hours and
a half. Costumes and characteristics. Lilian Plain rather severe looking and bossy countrywoman
of about forty, a likable character in spite of her brusqueness. In first
act she wears calico or gingham dress with apron regular farm hired girl get up,
not untidy nor too neat. In fourth act somewhat exaggerated going away costume
of a country bride, but by no means grotesque airum flint middle aged farmhand.
Quaint and comical, but not a caricature. In first act baggy old
trousers, dark shirt and suspenders, dusty boots or shoes, and large straw
hat. Act four rather conspicuous new suit, hat, etc. With brightly
polished new shoes. Missus brusnerome haughty woman of the society, climber type about
fifty or fifty five, stately with gray hair and attractive face. Elegant summer
costume in first act. Afterwards appropriate costumes, rich and attractive with jewels.
All a bit extravagant, but still in good taste. Hallam Brewster, a
girl of about twenty five, citified and of beauty and charm, reflecting to
a degree her mother's pompous manner, but still capable of inspiring admiration and eventually
confidence and sympathy. Dainty dress was hat and parasol in Act one. Later
elegant house dresses. Leonard Fillmore about thirty, tall, well built, good
looking, of a rather free, offhand manner, but gen and ingratiating,
just a slight trace of ruralism, but still a man of refinement and culture.
Plain suits. Sarah Newcombe a neat prim but attractive woman of forty five
or thereabouts, an old maid, but of the sweet mother and home variety.
Not green, though ingenuous, and just a bit countrified. In last
three acts on occasion assumes a bit more of greenness than is really natural to
her. Act one plain summer dress, Acts two, three and four a
little more dressy, but plain and appropriate. Dick Brewster, a handsome,
boyish young man of about twenty two, shows some evidence of fast living,
but should inspire sympathy, pity, and belief in his innocence. One suit
in good city style, but with some signs of rough usage. Acts two
and three say more similar but nater Henson conventional type of English butler, straight,
stiff, pompous black suit, not necessarily livery or evening clothes, but
appropriate to his position in city house of some social distinction. Ralf Deering about
fifty five, wealthy man of the world of rue type stout florid for near
of Polish, but showing his true nature on provocation. Very well dressed with
stylish topcoat, stick et cetera. Henry Markham Stern, keen eyed man of
thirty five or so in plain business suit, Officer Higgins police uniform or plain
dar suit. Delphine young woman of Stern forbidding aspect, pale, light eyes,
very black hair somewhat incongruous with her natural coloring. Speaks with assumed but
excellent French accent. Acts free, plain black costume not that of the conventional
stage made hair plainly combed with no cap. Act four plain street dress with
wraps, hat and veil alias Miss Sherlock. Act one scene the yard of
a comfortable farm residence in the northeastern part of New York State. The house
right is an ancient, but fine and well preserved structure of the old homestead
type. There is a porch, windows with vines, plants, etc.
A cross back of stage, a fence with open gate center at left,
a small arbor or summer house on the edge of an orchard at back,
a road leading to right and left beyond fence, and on flat the glimpse
of rolling fields, a church spire, and the roofs of a few houses
scattered in the distance. It is the afternoon of a day in the latter
part of August. At rise, Eron Flint is heard whistling off left upper
entrance. Missus Brewster is discovered in hammock or chair in arbors, left asleep,
a book fallen to the ground. Enter Aaron Flint left upper entrance,
beyond fence to gate center. Almost at the same moment, Lilian appears on
porch of house. Eron carries several letters sealed, addressed and stumped, a
newspaper or two, and a good sized puzzles post package of books addressed.
Lilian comes down to write center that the mail Aaron. Let's see quite a
lot, ain't they. She takes letters from him, should say they was
most all for Missus Brewster, though and a letter for her daughter. Seems
to me it tain't nothing but them around here one way another. I wonder
how much longer they're going to stay land. I don't know. Looks like
we got them saddled on to us for life. Been here since June,
and here tis most September. She is closely inspecting the letters. Tis wonder
to me, Miss Newcomb, don't get tired aborting them for nothing and having
them putting on such airs and all, even if they are our own sister
and niece. All fired, cheeky I call it, well, you know
her, easy as all get out. Guess I'm the one to do most
of the kicking when you come right down to it. All the extra work
they make with coffee, took up to their rooms at night in the morning
luncheon as they call it, about half past one, and dinner full meal.
Mind you, it's seven at night, when it's most time for sensible
folks to be going to bed. Keeps me up all hours. I must
say, I'm getting pretty tired of it. I guess you'd be. And
no wonder, but as she's saying, Miss newcome's that easy. She wouldn't
say a word even if they stay till Kingdom come. If there ever was
a saint on earth, she's one. Well, even saints get imposed on,
but I suppose being saints, it's up to them not to find any
fault, even when it's rubbed in. For my part, I think even
a saint ought to have a little gumption. That's more books for her,
Yep, some more of them, Sherlock Holmes detective stories she's always reading.
I reckon must be four or five here from the Heath the Bundle. Well,
it beats all the amount of that trash she does. Read them,
terrible yarns, all about murders and mysteries land. I should think she'd be
so full of murder clues in everything, and she couldn't sleep nights. They'd
give me the creeps if I was to read them the way she does.
Oh, I don't know. I sort of like them myself. Miss Newcombe
lent me a few, and they certainly are hummers. I sure would like
to be one of them detectives they tell about, with all the excitement they
have tracing up murderers and such. Yeah, it's a pretty detective you'd make.
You'd better be getting along detecting a few chores instead of standing here talking
murder clues here, I'll take that bundle in the house with these letters.
She takes package. They do not notice missus Brewster, who's still asleep.
Aaron gets closer to Lilian making up to her. She seems unconscious of his
intention. About to go to Paul. He detains her. Say Lilianne,
what you gonna do after supper? Wash your dishes? I suppose as usual
dinner. I guess you mean, though, and a pile of dishes it
makes too makes me sick, I say, Lilianne, if if I wipe
em, then we all go and take a walk walk land. I feel
more like walk in a bed than anywhere as else. Once I get through,
what do I want to take a walk for? Why? I thought?
Maybe you and me just go for a little straw if you like.
Seeing as it's moonlight all anywhere, ain't looks like it's going to be an
nice evening. I declare, Aaron Flint, you're old enough to have more
sense getting sent a middle at your age. How many times have I told
you? Mmmm, well, you know the old saying them that loves last,
loves best, So I guess it ain't too late for you and me.
He attempts to kiss her. She gives them a playful slap and starts
to go upsteps. Missus Brewster wakes up and sees them. They pause,
turning as she speaks. Missus Brewster rising, coming towards center. Perhaps when
you have finished your most unbecoming behavior, you will inform me whether any of
those letters are for me. Aaron with an awkward bow of apology. Yes,
ma'am, several of them. Lilian looking over letters quite unperturbed, I
guess some of these are for you. If your name's Miss Brewster, hold
type letters exean, left uprexit. Missus Brewster as she takes letters thanks,
they look mostly like Beale's name. Seems to me you are entirely too familiar
for a servant. I shall speak to my sister about it, huh.
I ain't afraid of anything you'll say. It, Miss newcome about me.
I guess I ain't lived with her the past fourteen years without her knowing me
well enough to not let anything you could say count, even if you are
her own sister and from the city. I should think the way you've been
staying here all summer, you and your daughter and been waited on and everything
without paying a cent for it, that you wouldn't have so very much to
say. That's my opinion, if I was to express it. Lilian is
on porch in a huff. Missus Brewster has crossed back to left near seat,
almost overcome by her indignation. Ah, this is more than I can
be expected to stand. Well, then you can set down to it.
There's a seat right behind you. Missus Brewster sinks into chair, apparently about
to faint. Lilian disdains her enter write upper entrance, Helen Brewster and Leonard
Fillmore. She carries a parasol and a bunch of wild flowers. Leonard stays
up by gate. Helen coming down, Why mother, what's the matter are
you ill? Goes to missus Brewster. I have been insulted by that person
there, indicating Lilian. Leonard looks at Lilian with a knowing smile. Leon
I ain't hurt her any just saying a few things to ease my mind.
I guess she'll live through it. Excell Lilian to house with a tuss of
her head and an indignant sniff. Leonard Filwell coming down to write center.
You mustn't take Lilian too. Seriously, missus Brewster, she's a privileged character
around here again, now I should say she is. It's insufferable the way
my sister permits that woman to domineer and make yourself so offensive. I shall
have her dismissed. Well, I'm inclined to think even you couldn't have that
done, Missus Brewster. I'm sorry if she's has been rude, and I'll
speak to Miss Newcombe about it. But well, I imagine it would be
about as easy to dismiss the pump or the barn as Lily Anne. The
farm wouldn't be complete without her, Missus Prewsta. Changing the subject, Helen,
I should like to know where you have been all this time? We
have been for a stroll, mister Fillmore, and I are any of those
letters for me? One gives Helen Lettle. I am afraid it was largely
my fault. I believe I inveigled Miss Brewster into walking rather farther than she
otherwise would have done. Indeed, the persuasive powers of a promising young legal
light. How interesting, Helen, smiling mother, promising he has already quite
arrived. You know, he was telling me of one of his cases.
What was it, mister Fillmore, defending a yokel whose cow is accused of
infringe gene upon another man's property in destroying some cabbages. Yes, quite as
important as that. I think I shall win my case too, after a
hard judicial struggle. And when I do, I shall come and claim your
congratulations. That steps now, if you will excuse me, I will look
for miss Newcomb. I have a little business to transact, and at the
same time I will speak to her about the offending Lilianne. Exit Leonard Tis
with a show of good natured dignity, Helen. I believe he was half
laughing at us Helen, who is reading her letter, No doubt, Missus
Brista again seated left, And I should like to know what you mean by
such a show of intimacy with him, a mere country lawyer taking a stroll
with him. And oh well, one has to have a little amusement in
this forsaken place. Do let me entertain myself in some way? Besides?
Look what a ward I reaped. This beautiful bouquet puts flowers and Missus Brewster's
lap, Missus Brewster throwing flowers to ground, And what of me? I
hope. You don't think I stay here from choice. Surely it is better
than shutting ourselves up in the city or going to some cheap boarding house,
as we would have had to do. You know, Bar Harbor and Newport
were quite out of the question. Look at these bills, bills, bills,
threats, lawsuits. We dare not go back to New York for fear
of our creditors. I don't know what is to become of us. We
can't stay and live on Aunt Sarah much longer, that's certain. It is
becoming unbearable. If only we could have kept up appearances one more season,
you might well, something might have turned up. Helen, she has gone
up by gate comes down. I suppose you mean I might have sold myself
or you might have sold me. Why not say it? I am in
the market for the highest bidder, even you were not beyond possibilities, Helen,
How can you say such things to me, your own mother. I'm
sure I have enough to bear without that. I guess I am about as
desperate as you are, for it seems to be up to me. I
don't know why you need to put it in that vulgar way, but as
you say, we cannot stay here much longer. Look at these showing bills.
If we go back to New York, there's Dick. If only he
could do something. Dick, you know how much good he is to me.
I did hope when he secured that position in the bank at forty dollars
a week, then he might at least cease to be a worry to me.
But no, nevertheless, he is still your son and my brother much
good. Such a son as to me, I have practically disowned him.
You know, it is nearly a year since we have even seen him.
No, we must think of something more reliable than Dick. My dear.
Now there was mister Deering, Yes, one of the likely bidders. Well,
if it will be any satisfaction to you, this letter is from him,
Helen, And does he Yes, Mother, I believe you really have
a chance to sell me at a very good price. Helen, I refuse
to listen to such talk. You know, he is a gentleman. He's
worth millions. You should consider yourself a very lucky girl. I suppose I
am, so far as your idea of luck is concerned. But that man,
old gross, The very thought of him repels me. Why mister Deering,
is not more than forty five, well, or eight or nine?
Perhaps, I think of all you could command as his wife. But the
question is at present, how are we to manage to get back to New
York, pay our bills, and keep up appearances until it can be brought
about. I know of just one way, my sister, What aunt Sarah,
that simple, countrified old maid. Pray? What could she do?
She could help us out of our difficulties if she would. You may not
know it, my dear, but Sarah now come is rich. At least
she must have a great deal of money. When our father died, Sarah
and I came in for everything he had. He had run this farm for
many years, and his father had before him and had made money, which
he invested and increased. When he made his will, I chose cash,
and in time received ten thousand dollars. Sarah kept the farm as her share
and has rusticated here ever since. While I well, I went to the
city, met your father, married him, and entered upon the life that
appealed to me. Your father's death left me well provided for, but oh
well, it has vanished. While Sarah her money must have accumulated and increased,
So you see, my dear, she is rich. Well, I
must say, it is the last thing I ever would have thought of.
But even so, do you think you could manage it or her? It
would have to be carefully done. Of course. By the way, that
mister Fillmore is her legal adviser, I believe he has charge of all her
affairs. He'd know just how much she is worth, and she would accept
his advice. Hm. Perhaps, after all you'd better be a bit nice
to him. You want me to pump him, to exert an insidious influence
as it were, Oh very well, leave it to me. He's rather
too nice a fellow to be made a fool of, even if I can
do it. But as you say, something must be done. Anything is
better than the poor house and oblivion. And in the meantime, don't forget
that it would be good policy to keep on the right side of all these
people, to make as good an impression as possible. Oh yes, we
may as well begin to do the thing upright, even if it is rather
late in the day. Helen, Sometimes you shock me by your absolute hull
garrity. Please do not use such expressions. We shall do nothing dishonorable I
hope not, but I must say the very idea is repellent to me.
I wish it were well over. Lilian, from house to porch, her
hands rolled up an apron, say, Miss Newcombe wants to know what you
think you'd like to have for supper or dinner. I suppose you'd call it.
It's very kind of you to consult us, isn't it, Helen.
Can you think of anything you should like to have? Dear? Well,
of course, this ain't no first class hotel. We ain't got everything.
I'm sure anything Aunt Sarah is kind enough to provide will be most acceptable.
Yes, of course, Land you're getting mighty in particular. All of a
sudden seems to me, well, how a good boiled dinner? Do you?
I'm afraid I don't know just what you mean, huh. I guess
you know what a boiled dinner is, all right. You used to live
here on the farm yourself till you went away to boarding school and got in
with city folks in their high notions. I guess you've at boiled dinners before
now, indeed, but I never lived on the farm, you know,
Lilian. So perhaps you will inform me just what a boiled dinner is something
boiled, of course, sure, cabbage, turnips, potatoes and so forth,
boiled in with a nice hunk of salt pork part lean. It just
touches a spot with us. But well, miss Nugam, ain't let me
have one all summer, thinking it wouldn't be stylish enough for you. But
I guess you'd managed to eat it. I am sure it sounds quite alluring.
Well, it sounds good and filling. Anyhow, squash Pie goes fine
with it. And as I said to Miss Newcomb, if they don't like
it, let him go without tenny rate. It's what we're going to have,
because I got it over. Missus Brewster, as if unable to control
herself, has gone up by gate, is looking off left. Helen shrugs
her shoulders good naturedly. Lilian goes to the door, meeting Leonard, who
enters from house. He passes her and comes down to write center exit Lilian
to house. Leonard looking back at Lilian, I hope she hasn't been letting
out again. I tried to get here in time to ward her off,
but was talking to Miss Newcomb. We have been ordering our dinner, that's
all it's to be a boiled one. Quite a feast, I believe,
yes, indeed you have a treat in store, one of Lilianne's boiled dinners
and squash pie for dessert. I hope, yes, I believe that is
to be a part of the banquet going part way up center? Mother,
aren't you going to take a little nap in preparation for such a gastronomical smiling
to Leonard? Is that a good word feast? No? I napped quite
sufficiently this afternoon while you and mister Filmore were taking a stroll and picking wild
flowers. I believe Leonard has crossed the left. Notice is the flowers on
ground now? Glance is rather ruefully at them. I wish to go in
and see Miss Newcombe, if you can spare me for a few moments.
Oh yes, certainly, perhaps we will go in the orchard for a little
while. I just love those early red apples. Missus Brewster on steps about
to go in house. But my dear, just before dinner, and such
a dinner, don't worry, only a nibble you know very well. Then
I will leave her in your care. Mister Fillmore. Thanks trust me,
Helen. Going left, will you come ask me. I do, but
beware I might tempt you with an apple? You know. Oh what a
willing adam am I They are about to go out left. He surrenders to
her mood. But poor Adam had only an apple to tempt him. While
I I see a page. Oh, mister Fillmore, is that worthy of
you? A lawyer too? Missus Brewster has stood on steps or porch,
watching them with a crafty smile. As they excellent left. She turns and
is about to go into house, but meets Sarah and comes back to Center
and to Sarah and you come from house down steps to write center. Oh
here you are, em, I was looking for you. Lilian tells me
you have ordered a boiled dinner. I hope your headache is better or I
am afraid it is. Thank you, But I ordered nothing. It was
entirely the main suggestion, I assure you. I simply thought it best to
submit. She has pretty much her own way. It strikes me, well,
I suppose she has. I guess I've let her have it so long
there is no breaking her of it. Now. Then Fillmore has just been
telling me. She said something little India at you. You mustn't mind her,
Am, I really couldn't get along without her. You know, I'm
willing to overlook a great deal, Sarah. But she actually had the presumption
to insinuate that Helen and I are imposing upon you by remaining here as if
you my own dear sister, wiping eyes, pretending to be near. Tis
the idea why you're welcome to stay here as long as you please. You
know that I feel honored to think it's good enough for you, after all
your city grandeur and everything. Lilian just blurts things out. You mustn't pay
any attention to her. M Well, I'll try not to do so hereafter.
But please don't call me m Sarah. It quite annoys me, does
it. Land. It never occurred to me. I can't seem to think
of Emmeline somehow, you see. It sort of seems just the same to
me as it did when we was girls here together, and we used to
always call you m in those days. My. But it's a long time
since then, isn't it, m Madeline? Quite too long to mention or
even think about. I should say, I don't see why tain't no disgrace
to be getting old, as I can see all the best people are doing
it, you know. Besides, you ain't more than Sarah. Please,
oh well, then I won't. But think how long it is since you
were here that other time, when Helen was about four years old and your
boy was only a baby. Oh what a cute little thing he was,
your Dickie, Emmeline. Why he must be almost a man now and a
real joy to you, A joy, my son. Little you know him,
or what he is to me A trial tribulation, I might even say
a disgrace. Sometimes I think it would have been better had he never been
born. Why, Emmeline, what do you mean? I've wondered why you
never said much about him? Why you never seem to want to tell me.
But Emmeline, your boy, little dick, your own son, How
can you say such a thing? Because it is true? Little has he
ever considered me? He spends what he earns on right, is living in
the company of persons who are called fast and who tempt him to misdeeds and
forgetfulness of what is honest and upright. That is the kind of son I
have, Sarah, My little Dick, as you call him, Dick,
the baby boy I used to hold in these arms and cuddle up to me
and wish was mine. And then that summer you let him come here and
stay with me when he was ten years old because he wasn't very well.
The sun that was like heaven to me, because I had him just like
he was mine, my very own. Oh how I loved him, and
he learned to love me too, And then I had to give him up,
let him go back to you. Who can say such things about him
that he's a trial and a tribulation. Oh, Emmeline, Emmeline Brewster,
What kind of mother have you been if you have let him grow up to
be that kind of man? I dare say you think I am to blame?
Little you know of such matters of the world of life. Maybe I
know more about some things than you think I do. At any rate,
I know enough about the world and life to know what a real mother ought
to be, and that the right kind never would talk that way about her
own son, no matter what he was or what he had done. Mother,
you, you never was fit to be one. It wasn't in you.
Forgive me, em, but I'm going to speak the truth if it
does hurt. When you was a girl, it was all for dressing up
and looking pretty, with you going away to boarding school and getting educated,
as you called it, well you did. They're in the real world you
talk about, and that you say I don't know or understand. Then I
thank Heaven I don't, and I wish you didn't. A world that makes
a woman so hard that she calls her own son a tribulation and a disgrace
instead of the blessing he ought to be to her. I refuse to listen
to any more of your abuse if my own sister has no right to say
such things to me. She crosses to exit left, but Sarah bars away.
She pauses. I guess you'll have to listen, Emmeline, for I'm
going to say what I've got to say. I've had it on my mind
for some time, and I might as well let it out right now.
I thought it was bad enough the way you've let your girl grow up to
be proud and vain. I can see she has her soft side and might
make a good woman if she had a chance. But when you talk that
way about your boy, about Dick, who was so sweet and cunning when
he was a baby, and such a manly little fellow when he was only
ten, years old. Why that's more than I can listen to and not
say something, Oh, Emmeline, why wasn't he my boy? Why was
he given to you that doesn't care for him instead of to me who has
wanted him and could have been a real mother to him and loved and protected
him and helped him to be a good, true man instead of what you
say he is. It's me that has had the mother feeling in me all
these years, instead of you, though I'm nothing but a poor little old
maid with a soul that has starved toward you have neglected and thrown away.
Missus. Brewster has listened, at first disdainfully, even angrily, then in
a gradually some way softened mood, she now shows some tenderness for her sister,
though still obviously thinking of herself and her own advantage. I am sorry,
Sarah if you have missed what you think would have been your happiness,
But my life has been one that you could not understand. You have no
right to upbraid me. Perhaps you have fared better than I have. After
all, you at least have a home to shelter you enough to live in
comfort, even luxury, if you wished the remainder of your life, while
I am at the end of my resources. Unless you help me, I
see nothing but ruined despair ahead. Why, Emmeline, what do you mean?
I thought you had a grand home. Everything we have been trying to
keep up appearances. Helen and I she has prospects of marrying a very rich
man if we can manage to go back and resume our accustomed way of living
for another season at least. But unless you can help me, everything I
have must go. House furniture all a few thousand dollars, which I feel
sure you can spare a few thousand dollars. And I never saw more than
a twenty dollar bill all at one time in my life as I know of.
It was you had the money after father died. If you used it
up and got in debt, why it seems to me that's your fault,
not mine. Oh, Sarah, I didn't think you could be so hard,
so you refuse to help me. You would let me starve your own
sister. Well, I guess you won't need to do that as long as
I have a home and plenty for you too. But of course, if
you're so poor and I'm what you call rich, why, well, I'll
speak to Lynd more about it. He knows how much I've got and everything.
I always take his advice. I should think you need not conform to
the opinions of a mere country lawyer. Well, Len maybe a country lawyer,
but he's a good one, and I reckon that's a few city ones
you could give a few pointers to when it comes to that. You know,
all the smart folks don't live in the city. I guess maybe it's
so full it's run over, and a few of them have to stay in
the country at any rate. It's lend filmer. I'll have a talk with
and maybe we can fix things up for you. Do you know I've sort
of thought I'd like to go to the city for a spell myself and see
real life, as you call it. If Len thinks I can afford it,
I might go home with you, set you on your feet, and
see a little style myself. Got a room you could spare me in that
grant mention of yours. Why I hadn't thought of that. I hardly think
you would care for our method of living, Sarah, Dear, it is
so front, you know, so you needn't get fidgety about it yet a
while. I ain't begun to pack my trunk yet. Now I'll have to
go in the house and see how Lily Ann's getting along with that supper or
dinner as you call it. Going to write. If you see Lenn Fillmore,
you might tell him I want to see him before he goes home,
very well, Sarah on porch, about to enter house. And by the
way, if you want that rich man you spoke about to have a chance,
it's my opinion you'd better keep an eye on that daughter or yours.
And that plain country lawyer going to court sort of in his line, you
know, and they do say he's pretty good at pleading a case. Exit
Sarah at a house. Missus Brewster looks slightly alarmed, starts left as if
to go and seek Helen and Leonard enter. Aaron left upper entrance with milking
pails. Aaron coming and through gate. Why is she looking for anybody,
Miss Brewster? No? Oh, thought maybe you was. And I was
gonna say if twas your daughter and Lynn Fillmore. I've seen him out in
the orchard there eating enough apples to give him the stomach ache, sitting pretty
close to each other too. On the sun wall, I beg if you
spare me your plebeian observations. Gosh, I didn't know I had any such
high faluting fixings. Ain't in my line. He crosses to write, puts
pails on porch, comes back to write something. Say, man, if
you don't mind, I wish you'd tell me something. I'm getting kind of
tired of this country life. I like to go to the city and do
something I think made any chance for a fellow like me down there scarcely your
place evidently is where you are. Wow, I don't know. Sometimes we
country fellas fool you. Would you think it now to look at me that
I got the makings of a first class detective in me? Would you?
No? It is the last thing I should be willing to believe. That's
what I thought. But there is yes, siree, ma'am Miss Newcomb.
She gets all them books about crimes and such, you know, detective stories,
Sherlock Holmes, Ashton Kirk and all them, and sometimes she lets me
read them. They certainly do give a fella an insight into the way things
are among you city folk. Must be a pretty hard luck come right down
to it, missus presta about to go out left. I have no desire
to listen to your opinions. I understand that miss Newcomb is in the habit
of reading those lurid romances, and I am much surprised that she should burden
her mind with such sensational trash. Oh, she just don't, Sileum says,
the biggest men read them, even Len Fillmore. He says they help
him in his law business. Indeed, I must say that is about the
opinion I had of him and his legal ability, calling as she goes off
left, Helen, Helen, where are you exit? Missus Brewster? Left,
second exit, Aaron going to left, calling after her better tell her
and Len to stop eating them apples because Lily Anne says we're gonna have a
board dinner and they won't have room for it. Aaron goes to right,
takes pails, and is about to enter house when he turns, glances off
left upper exit, stops, looks, then sets down pails and goes up
to gate, looking off left with a show of interest. Harry's off left
upper exit and after a pause, re enters, leading Dick Brewster by the
arm. Dick is dusty, pale, and almost exhausted, o be What
do you want? Leads Dick left to seat Dick sinkstone. Aaron regards him
suspiciously. Why don't you speak? You're sick, no, only tired about
played out. I I've walked a long distance and I haven't had anything to
eat since since last night. Ye ain't gosh actually think you would be weak?
Mmm? You don't look just like a tramp Dick with some spirit?
I'm not. You needn't think I'm anything like that. I is this where
miss Newcombe lives? Why? Yes? This is her place? You don't
want to see her, do you? I want to know if missus Brewster
is here, Missus Brewster and and miss Brewster. Oh you know them,
do you? Yes? They're right here. I should say they be happening,
since I don't know when, and it looks like they're going to keep
right on being. I want to see missus Brewster right away. Will you
tell her please? M Why? Yes? I guess so looks off left.
She's out in the orchard there with her daughter and them. Fillmore.
I'll see him coming now, Dick rising, almost tottering, starting to go
right. I don't want to see anybody else, just my just missus Brewster
or Helen. While then you just come up here and wait a minute,
and I'll see if I can fix it. Aaron assists stick or fright beyond
house, then returns stay right there till I tell you, and to Helen,
and Leonard left second entrance, Helen laughing evidently forgetting herself at the moment
and acting with a natural manner of good humor. I'm afraid we're in for
it. At least I am for a good scolding. I must have eaten
at least half a dozen of those apples. It's all your fault. Oh
say, come now, that's reversing scripture, and we'll never do The woman
did tempt me, you know nothing of the sort. It was the man
who did the tempting. This time all the better since you yielded. I
didn't know I had the power. Thanks for the compliment. You might be
welcome had I intended to pay you one, but I didn't. Alas,
poor Adam, he's bound to get the worst of it. Thus does he
have another fall from the heights of expectation to the deaths of despair. My
what an ancient joke. Going back to the first pair and the first apple,
Oh, worse and worse, And to missus Brewster left second entrance,
crossing to write, Helen, I'm going to my room, and you'd better
come to after your walk and such a feast of apples, I should think
you would need a little rest and quiet before dinner. Very well, mother,
I'll come right in. Helen crosses to write. Leonard goes up center,
and I think i'll say good afternoon. By the way, mister Fillmore,
Miss Newcombe wished me to inform you that she would like to see you
again for a moment before you leave. Thanks. Then i'll wait. Exit
missus Brewster to house. Yes, you'd better you might get invited to stay
and have some of that biled dinner. You know that, So I guess
I had squash pie too. Garden of Eden was nothing like this. Exit
Helen to house, followed by Leonard and to Aaron right looks about. Then
someone's Dick, who enters and stands by fence right center. You stay right
here. I'm gott see if I can get her. Dick stands leaning on
fence week and showing some agitation. Aaron goes over by porch, looks in
house, making motions. She sees me she's coming. Aaron goes and helps
Dick to center, partially concealing him as Helen enters. Did you want me
Aaron? MM, yes, Miss Brewster. There is somebody here wants to
see you. It's Dick, disclosing himself Helen, Dick, Dick, what
are you doing here? Where's mother? I want to see her? He
totters. Helen goes and supports him. But Dick, how did you happen
to come here? We didn't expect you. You are ill? Is anything
the matter? Yes? Lots is the matter. I I'm in trouble,
Helen. I. He looks about as if not wishing to speak before Aaron.
Helen motions to Aaron, who nods and exits right beyond house, taking
pales. There we are alone. Now tell me, Dick, what is
it? What is the trouble? She has assisted him to seat left.
He sits. She stands by him, showing more surprise than tenderness, but
is not wholly without sympathy. I've run away, run away, but why
from what? I can't tell you now. I've got to have money,
that's all, plenty of it to get away out of the country. Where's
Mother? She couldn't help you any more than I can. What do you
mean? What have you done? Never mind that there isn't time. I'm
your brother, that's all, and her son, and you've got to help
me. It's for your sake as well as for mine. I guess if
you don't want, oh, Dick, will you never learn to behave yourself
to be a man? Mother is almost desperate already, with ruin staring her
in the face, and now to have you come here in this condition,
you who ought to help her instead of bringing disgrace upon her. You ought
to be ashamed of yourself, And so would you be if you were any
kind of a sister. Instead of turning on me. Now when I'm facing
and to Sarah from house to porch, Dick Caesa and shrinkstone, as if
to hide who's that? I don't want to see Helen disclosing him? Aunt,
Sarah, this is my brother, Sarah coming down, looking at Dick,
at first uncomprehendingly and then with gradual recognition and dawning tenderness. You don't
mean that that it is, Dick, Little Dick, Why you if you
haven't grown up into a man The last time I saw you you were just
a little fellow. That was it was twelve years ago, and you are
only ten years old. And now why you're sick? Something is the matter?
Dick breaking down. Oh, I can't stand any more. I'm played
out. I can't go any further. He has tried to rise, but
sinks back on to seat. Sarah goes to him, sits puts arm about
him affectionately. Why of course you can't, you needn't. You've got home,
Dick. You've come right here where we've been waiting for you, and
are glad to see you. Oh, you don't know, you don't know.
I hope a mother doesn't come. You go in the house and see
that she doesn't. I'll talk to Dick and see if I can find out
what's the matter. Helen goes left to steps. Dick starts up, but
sinks back as Sarah gently draws him down beside her. But I must see
her. I want to tell her. Maybe it would be just as well
if you told me I'm your aunt, Sarah. Though you've sort of forgotten
me, haven't you. But I haven't forgotten you, and I guess maybe
it would be bitter if you told me about it first. Then we'll see.
You'll help me to get away. Sarah to Helen, who still stands
left you go, Helen, he will be all right. Exit Helen left
the house. Now, Dick, tell me, oh, I can't.
I can't. I don't know what to do. They may be after me
by this time. Who who is after you? The police? They may
have found out by this time I didn't do it. I didn't, but
they will think I did. They'll find out I was there some way,
and then unless I can get away where they can't find me. But tell
me about it? What was it? How did you happen to come here?
Why I had hurt? Mother and Helen speak of you, and I
remembered you too, about the summer I stayed here so long ago, and
how good you were to me, And then I thought they were you could
help me in some way. I didn't know where else to go. I've
got to have money. She's my mother. If I haven't done just right,
and she's got to help me. Where is she? I must see
her pretty soon maybe, But tell me first, what do they think you
have done? It's murder, that's what they'll say. But I didn't do
it. No, No, I didn't. It was somebody else. But
they'll have it on me if they find out I was there, I was
found with the gun. I'm innocent, but they never believe it. I'll
have to go away. He starts up as if to go. Sarah again
detains him. But how where was it when? Never mind? Let me
go. It may be too late. They may have followed me. Where
can I go? You can't go anywhere. You're in no condition. You'll
have to stay right here till we can fix you up and decide what to
do. What I want now is for you to tell me all about it,
just what happened, what you had to do with it and everything,
and if it's possible, I'll help you. You will. You'll give me
money to get away. I don't know about that, but I'll do justipust
I can. You can trust me, Dick, Trust me with your very
life. It's worth a life just to hear somebody talk like that, to
know somebody believes in me a little bit and wants to help me. It's
an old story, the way I've been made a fool of by a woman.
But I loved her, trusted her. I thought she was as good
as she was beautiful. She thought I was a rich man's son. That
was all she cared. And then when she found out I was spending every
cent I had just to buy her flowers and suppers. And then she tried
to throw me over. That made me desperate, And one night, three
nights ago, I insisted on going home with her. She tried to get
rid of me, but I went, and when we got there, she
told me she had no more use for me, that I wasn't worth bothering
with. Then I threatened her, I'll admit that, though I didn't really
mean it, I only thought perhaps I could make her change her mind.
Then another man came, a really rich one, I suppose, and she
told me to get out. I wouldn't, so she made me go in
another room behind some curtains. She was afraid he'd be jealous too, And
when he came in, he suspected there was somebody else there, and they
had a row. I stood looking through the curtains, watching them, and
all of a sudden, yes, then all of a sudden there was a
shot, and Laura, miss Navarre, fell dead dead. She was killed?
But who who did it? Dick? Not? No, you needn't
think I did it. I didn't. I don't know who did. All
I know is that I was alone there in that room behind those curtains,
and that it was dark in there so that I couldn't see, and I
didn't hear anyone. But a hand reached over my shoulder there in the dark
and fired that shot. Did you see the hand, No, but I
felt something for an instant. It just seemed to touch my shoulder. That
was all. But there must have been somebody else there in that room,
yes, when I went in, but I didn't see any one, as
there was no light in there. They must have been waiting there all the
time for her, And after after that shot was fired, What did you
do? Why? At first I just stood there for a minute. I
was so frightened and dazed. But that other man that was there with her,
what did he do? I just caught a glimpse of him kneeling down
by her. He held her up a little, and just then Miss Navarre's
maid rushed in from the hall, came across and threw apart the curtains where
I was, and there on the floor, just by my feet was the
gun. She picked it up, stared at me and cried you have killed
her and the man I didn't notice. I don't remember. All I know
is that the maid went to the telephone to call up the police, I
suppose, and before they could stop me, I rushed out and got away.
Then I came here. It was all I could do. And oh,
you don't think I did it. You don't believe I'm a murderer.
You're my aunt, my mother's own sister. You won't let them hang me.
No, no, Dick, I want to believe you. I want
to help you if you are innocent, and I can you are the same
as my own boy. I want to save you. Look at me,
Dick, look me straight in the face, and tell me God, seeing
you and hearing every word you say that you didn't kill that woman. You
don't know who did. Can you do that? Dick? Yes? I
can I do. He straightens up and with a clear, candid expression,
finding sudden courage and determination, looks her squarely in the eyes, and in
slightly way favering but honest, convincing tones, speaks, I swear to you,
I didn't kill that woman. I don't know who did. As I
hope her eternal salvation. So help me God, I am innocent. Sarah
stands motionless for a moment, one hand on each of Dick's shoulders, looking
searchingly into his eyes, her face showing infinite tenderness and pity. His gaze
never falters. After an eloquent pause, she suddenly clasps him in her arms,
holding him closely. He buries his face against her shoulder, sobbing gently.
Curtain end of Act one, Act two of Alias Miss Sherlock by Arthur
Lewis Tubs. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the
public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
Act two scene parlor or reception room in the New York residence of Missus
Brewster, handsomely furnished. An alcove or hallway across left. Upper entrance shows
staircase and leads to front door off left. There is a hall rack in
alcove door left second entrance, another in flat right center, and one right
table down right center with few books, etc. Smaller table or stand up
right center with telephone. Also button of electric call bell, davenport, left
chairs, etc. At rise doorbell ringing off left apprentrance enter Hanson Wright crosses
exits left upper exit. As he exits enter, Missus Brewster downstairs comes down
to write Center, just in time to receive Ralph Dearing, who is shown
in by Hanson. He hands light, top coat, hat and cane to
Hanson, who leaves them on rack and exits right. Daring comes down to
center. Mister Dearing, how good have you to call so soon? I
am delighted to see you, delighted to be here, I assure you.
Miss Brewster was kind enough to write me when you were to return. And
you see I have lost little time in coming, and you are a welcome
visitor, the first we have had. We returned much earlier than usual.
You know, I had some business to attend to, and well we were
saturated with rural felicity, for we were quite in the country, you know,
and a farm in fact, quite a change, I should imagine from
former seasons. They all seated decidedly, but just what we required after a
strenuous social season, and very beneficial to both Helen and myself. Neither of
us felt equal to bar Harbor or Newport. And they have become such an
old story summer after summer, so I thought it an excellent opportunity to visit
my sister back at our old home. Oh, yes, a decided change.
Quite the thing, however, you know, for tired nerves and all
that, but rather irksome, no doubt, after a while, terribly so.
But then it was years since I had seen my sister, and I
felt guilty having so long neglected her. So I summoned courage to go and
make her a little visit. It did her so much good, dear soul,
I felt fully rewarded. I have brought her home with me, ah
for a little glimpse of city life. I suppose, yes, her first.
I had quite a task persuading her to come. She has always been
such a home body, formally resisted all my importunities to come and stay with
me. Of course, she is quite out of her element here, not
that she is not a dear but such a little country mouse, so shy.
I am sure you understand. She rises, He does the same.
I will call Helen. She will be delighted to see you. Goes up
presses button, you think so, I am sure of it. And to
Hansome, write Hanson inform miss Brewster that mister Dearian is here. You will
find her in her room. Exit Hansome left up her exit up the stairs.
I think you understand what my feelings are towards your daughter, missus Brewster.
At least I hope you will not be displeased if I tell you that
it is my desire to make her my wife. Nothing could give me greater
happiness, Ah to be sure of my dear child's future in your care.
It would indeed be a blessing. The greater share would be bestowed upon me.
I am sure. But may I hope that Miss Brewster Helen you will
meet with no discouragement in that direction? I am sure? She pauses as
she sees Helen, who comes downstairs, daring all say sees her, goes
part way up center to meet her. Helen comes down, greets him with
politeness, but little show of wolmth Miss Brewster, it has been a long
time. Henson comes downstairs, exits right. How do you do, mister
Deering? It is very kind of you to call so soon after our return.
I was only too glad to have the opportunity. In fact, I
came up from my country place expressly for the purpose of being the first to
welcome you. How very very kind of you, was it not, Helen?
Most kind? I am sure, missus Brewster, who has gone upright?
I hope you will stay to dinner, mister deering, and take such
as we can offer you. Things are not wholly in running order yet,
but thank you. But I scarcely think I shall be able to do so
today. May I not hope to come again soon? Indeed? Yes,
only let us know, And now, if you will excuse me, he
assents, She exits. Right, I hear you had a very quiet summer,
miss Brewster, quite in the midst of rural felicity. Oh that is
what mother calls it? Is it? I am afraid she would speak in
less poetic terms if she were to express her real opinion. We were unutterably
bored. I thought it would never end. I think I understand you were
not in the right setting there, you who were made for big places,
for brilliant crowds, regal surroundings, where you can reign as queen. Helen,
smiling with a lift of her eyebrows, dear me, who is getting
poetic? Now? You honor me too much? No, no, I
could not do that. He gets close to her, speaking with a warmth
of feeling, which repels her, though she means to encourage him in spite
of herself, however, slightly drawing away. You know my feelings for you.
This is not the first time I have tried to express them, Miss
Brewster, Helen, tell me, I don't hope in vain that I make
you the happiest woman in the world. Ah, that is a pretty big
order. Do you think you could fill it? Only? Let me try.
I can give you all that a woman can wish. A beautiful home,
gorgeous clothes, jewels. You shall have everything that money can buy.
You shall lead them all have what you will do, what you choose.
I am afraid it takes more than all that to make a woman happy,
mister Deering. Some women but devotion. Love all my heart? And isn't
that what you would expect in return? Love? Devotion? And if I
could not give them, you could give yourself, your radiant, beautiful self.
That is what I want you you. He is about to take her
in his arms. She shows at first some shrinking, but makes an effort
to yield. Is about to do so when the doorbell rings. This gives
her the opportunity to turn from him. He is compelled to release her with
some annoyance. Enter Hanson write, crosses, exits left upper exit. Will
you go in the library. I will join you there. Dearing again approaching
her, but she goes part way up center. He desists, goes right
very well, I will wait for you there anxiously. Don't belong no,
I will come to you at once exit Dearing Wright. Helen shudders slightly with
evident repulsion and relief in his absence. She is right center enter Henson left
apprentrance, mister Fillmore. Helen's attitude changes. Her expression brightens, denoting pleasure
which she is unable to conceal. You may show him in Henson exit Henson
left a prexit. Helen stands looking up left appreentrance expectantly for the moment she
becomes her natural self, greeting Leonard Fillmore cordially when he appears, and to
Leonard Fillmore left appreentrance, followed by Hanson, who exits right. Mister Fillmore,
this is quite a surprise. How do you do fine? Thanks and
feeling better still now needn't ask how you are? You are looking scrumptious my
all of that m while Apples agree with me, you know, and biled
dinners squash by say the farm lost all its charm after you left. Excuse
me, I guess there's no law against paying a few compliments. I'm a
lawyer, and I know you see if a fellow means him with you and
Miss Newke can both gone. Well, it was too much for me.
One cannot imagine the farm without Aunt Sarah. How glad she will be to
see you? I suppose she will. How is she? She's well,
a bit homesick, though I fear, but brave as I also try to
be. But it's hard with all we have on our minds, and trying
to keep it from mother so she doesn't know yet. No, I want
to keep it from her as long as possible. She has enough to bear.
Oh, mister Fillmore, what is going to happen? Do you think
they will find my brother convict him. I cannot think of it. I
dare not. We're going to do everything there is to be done for him,
and I feel it in my bones everything will come out all right.
Why, I don't see how fate itself could defeat such a spirit as your
Aunt Sarah shows. She's just bound to save her boy as she calls him,
and in spite of all obstacles, I feel that she'll do it,
and I mean to help. Just you leave it to us and try to
look on the bright side. I can't bear to see you worry. You
are very kind. You do help me. You make me feel better,
do I That's great? If I well, I'd like to feel better too,
if you just say the word. I know I haven't the right to
ask it, just a plain country law. You're like me, But you're
not mad? Are you mad? Why? Of course not? How could
I be? Besides being poor is no disgrace. And as for playing well,
there might be two opinions about that. Leonard impulsively forgetting himself miss er
Helen, Helen suddenly realizing that she is encouraging him too much, changing her
mood repulsing him, although not too pronounced. But Dick, you haven't told
me what about him? Where is he? That's right, we have no
right to think of other things now, But you see us sort of for
God and why he's here. I brought him with me here. Yes,
we stayed there in Brookville nearly a week, you know, after you all
left, And then I decided the only thing to do was to bring him
here, have him give himself up and stand the chances. Miss Newcombe thought
so too. But if they convict him, well, there doesn't seem to
be much use running away he wants to. Thinks they'd never find him,
but they always do, and it would be all the worse when they did.
They'd hold it against him that he was afraid. Afraid. Of course
he's afraid. So am I afraid of the horror, the disgrace. Oh,
it seems too terrible to be true. How can I ever bear it?
Oh? Say now, don't give way like that. I can't bear
to see you, know I Ellen looking left Upprensions. Is he there?
Yes? Your man remembered him, it seems Henson. Yes, he has
been with us for years and he's keeping him out there for the present.
Do you want to see him? No, not yet, I can't.
I have a caller. He is waiting for me in the library. M
Oh he caller, yes, and a very important he. So I ask
you to excuse me. I will have Henson tell Aunt Sarah you are here.
Goes Up is about to press button? Oh all right, and then
after a while, will you er have him inform you that I am still
here, perhaps if I can get rid of that other he She smiles,
not wholly able to conceal her real feelings for him. He looks relieved.
Thanks Then to handsome left apprehenchance, Hanson tell Miss Newcombe that mister Fillmore is
here. You will find her in her room. I think the blue room,
exit Hanson, upstairs, blue room, pretty appropriate, seems to me,
and of in that state myself, and less you change it. Helen
ignores this remark, though she looks back with a faint smile as she exits.
Right. Leonard looks after her adoringly, goes upright, then comes back,
shaking his head doubtfully, but with an expression of determination. Then to
Hanson, coming downstairs, partly to center, Miss Newcombe will be right down,
sir, about to go lingus beg pardon, sir bunch master Dick.
He looks very down and sick like. Is anything the matter, may I
ask, sir? I I guess he just isn't feeling his best. No,
sir, that's how it struck me, Sir. I hope you will
pardon me if I seem too familiar. But Master Dick always was a favorite
of mine. And I've wondered often without daring to mention it, what had
become of him, so to speak, and how he was He's been absent
for the greater part of a year, if I remember rightly, Yes,
he's been away. I believe you say, Miss Newcombe, will be right
down, Yes, sir, to be sure, sir, I beg pardon
exit Hanson left uprexit. Leonard stands down, writes by table, not seeing
Sarah as she comes downstairs, enters left apprensiance. Sarah seize him with a
pleased expression, hums down, stands close to him a moment before she speaks
well. Leonard starts, slightly, turns, sees her speaks in an assumed
matter of fact Manna fair middlin, ma'am. And I hope I see you
the same first class. I mean, how are you, Sarah? As
they shake hands warmly. Oh Len, It's good for sore eyes to see
you. I've been waiting and hoping and praying, expecting you every minute,
and now you're here, I declare I could almost hug you. Why almost
make it a real one, oh Len, I've almost died here this last
week, with six or eight months in it it's been terrible. Pshaw.
That'll never do. I thought you were the brave one. It won't do
for you to give up, no, of course, and I don't mean
to, but well, it's the lonesomeness of it. I'm like a cat
in a strange garret and as homesick as anything. At least I suppose that's
what the feeling is. I've got here and here and oh all over me.
But sit down, lenn and tell me everything they said, Lennard,
pretending to misunderstand her. Well, when I left, the brindle cow was
beginning to wan her calf. The pegs were fatter and never and just fit
to kill. Aaron Flint seemed to be getting along a little better in a
certain direction. I guess they're being left there alone sort of softens the obdurate
lady and anything else. Lennard feel more. You know, it isn't all
that I want to know. Of course, it's that too, And I'm
glad if Lilyanne has begun to give in a little though, goodness knows it's
time. But it's my boy len Dick. How is he? Where is
he? And oh he's well and safe and not far off. But first
I want to hear about you. How do you like it here? Oh?
As well as could be expected, I suppose me in this high falutint
place, but I've wished I was back home every minute. Such foolishness,
such extravagance. Well it was your own doings, you would do it,
you know, Yes, I know, and I'm not sorry, as I
know of. But it's something terrible the way m has lived and got into
debt, trying to keep up appearances, as she calls it. It's simply
scandalous. A butler and everything land. He's the stiffest thing in the shape
of a man I ever did see. I was fairly afraid of him at
first, the way he puffed himself up and said yes, Madam, no,
madam, and Madam this and Madam that, till I up and told
him I want them madam, and had no desire to be And wouldn't he
please just call me mis Newcomb. I'm beginning to get a little bit used
to him now, and to a few other things. But I declare,
I guess the farm's the place for me. Nonsense, I trust you with
the best of them. They can't make a fool of you too late maybe,
But maybe it'd be just as well to let some folks think they can
who Why, Well, some of the city folks kind of think us from
the country are all as green as grass. Maybe I can get the best
of some of them and find out a few things all the easier if I
let him think I don't know a street car from a steamboat. Not,
but what I do. And I guess I can see through a barn door
when it's wide open. Well, I should say you can. But if
some of the big bug detectives and all that are trying to find Dick and
prove he's what they'll say he is. Think i'mper to poor simple, little
old maid from the country, Why, I guess it'll make the way all
the clearer for me when I try to show him a thing or two.
Well, now, I don't know, but there's something in that. I'm
here to save my boy, and it's any means to that end. Do
you know how crazy I've always been about reading those detective stories, lynn murder
mysteries and such trash. You call him my Yes, I guess you've bread
a hundred, say seven hundred, and you'll be nearer to it. Well,
I'm glad I have. They've sort of given me an insight into things,
clues and such. I feel as if I could beat the best detective
in New York City at his own game. I'd like the chance, and
maybe I'll have it before we get through. I guess you'll find it a
hard job, Miss Newcomb. They're a slick lot, and I'm afraid in
this instance they'll have it pretty much their own way. To tell the truth.
I don't see a loophole as yet, but there must be one,
Lend. There's got to be there, always is in all those detective stories,
the one you assure did it and that everything's against never did. It's
when they come up against a blank wall and you think there's no way around,
through or over that A way opens up after all, and there will
this time, Lend, there must, I hope. So, but don't
you think you need a bigger man than I am to help you, Miss
Newcombe. I'm only a country lawyer, after all, you know, without
much experience. Now see here, Len Fillmore, don't you begin that all
over again? You know my opinion, and that ends it. If you're
not what they call a big man yet, you're going to be and maybe
this is your chance to prove it. I want you to show him what
you can do. You and meet together in spite of the best of them.
They may think we are too greenies from the country and as easy as
pie. Well let them think so till we open their eyes and show them
a thing or two. Leonard giving her his hand, we will put it
there. That's the way to talk. Go ahead, don't leave a stone
unturned till we've overthrown that stonewall we're up against. I'm back of you with
all I've got to my last scent. All I can bake porrow or I
was going to say steal and I don't know, but I do even that
to save Dick. But where is he? Can't I see him? Sure
he's right here here in this house, and you haven't told me all this
time, going up looking off left, apprehensions excited. Where is he?
I want to see him, and so you shall. But I want to
be sure his mother doesn't know he is here. Helen, Miss Brewster thinks
it best for her not to know about it. Yet there is no danger.
She's gone to her room and won't come down till dinner's ready. Probably
where's Helen? Have you seen her? Mm? Why? She just went
in what they call the library to see a caller he won. Oh,
I suppose it's that rich mister deering her mother's trying to catch for her.
She can't endure him, and I know it since she saw a certain other
he I could mention, miss Newcom, you're on the wrong scent. There
isn't a chance in the world for me. Ah, who said anything about
you? I guess there's more than two he's in the world at any rate.
She ain't good enough for you, vain stuck up thing. No,
she isn't that you wrong her? Oh? Sticking up for her? Are
you sure a sign? I guess you can't fool me. I've read too
many detective stories, you know, not to see a clue when it's laying
around loose. And I've found a pretty good one some time ago in that
direction. But don't you think you're up against another stone wall? Well?
If I am, I'm pretty good at climbing over, and I might give
you a boost if necessary. Thanks, I guess i'll need it. He
has gone up to left upper exit. She is close to him, and
now I'll get deck exit Leonard left laprexit. Sarah stands looks off anxiously.
There is a short pause than Dick enters left apprentance, cautiously, looking about
as if afraid. He looks much neater than him first act, but is
still pale, showing signs of his fear and worry. Sarah welcomes him,
joyously, taking him in her arms in silence. He brightens a bit as
he sees her. Sarah. After a moment's pause, Dick, my boy,
my poor boy. Is nobody else here? Mother, Helen? Not
now? You can see Helen in a few minutes. Maybe I don't know
about your mother. She doesn't know yet, and but we'll see. Just
now. I want you to talk to me a little. She has led
him to Davenport left sits by his side. How are you, Dick?
Keeping up bravely? I'm trying to aunt Sarah, but it's hard. It's
been almost more than I could stand. If it wasn't for you and mister
Fillmore, I guess i'd end it all. I couldn't face it alone.
I don't know as I can anyway. There doesn't seem to be a chance
for me. Not a chance. Why, yes, there is Dick,
there's always a chance. I believe in you, so does he, and
there's sure to be some way of proving your innocence. We're going to find
it too and save you, aren't we. Len Leonard has been standing right,
not listening to them. He has looked off right in a manner that
shows he is thinking of Helen and her companion. He now turns comes to
center. Sure, of course we are you say that, but if you
meant it, if you really wanted to save me, you'd let me get
away. You wouldn't ask me to stay here and face it. No,
nor you either, Aunt Sarah. I tell you I can't. He springs
up as if to go. Sarah detains him. Dick, my boy,
there there, you'll be all right. You must listen to reason, reason,
reason, you call it, reason for me to stay here and give
myself up without a chance in the world. I tell you they've got it
on me. But if I don't give myself up, they'll never find me.
They can't. They don't know my name or anything. I'll be safe
if you'll only let me go away. Are you sure they don't any of
him? No, No, of course they don't. Miss Navarre was the
only one. The maid never saw me before, nor that man. I
got away before anybody else came. I tell you, they haven't got a
chance in the world. Let me go, you will, you must.
You don't want me to stay here and get hanged for what I never did.
You can't make me do that, You can't. He breaks down,
sinking on couch and covering face with hands. Sarah sits by him, striving
to comfort him. You're sure nobody knows that it was you in that woman's
room when she was killed, Not the man nor the maid. No neither
of them ever saw me before. I used to meet miss Navarre at the
stage adoor and take her out to supper. But that night was the first
time she ever let me go home with her. She didn't want to then,
but I went, so, you see, her maid never had seen
me. And as for that man who was there, he was a perfect
stranger to me. If that's so, why the police haven't a thing to
go by, no name, no picture, so long as neither of those
two sees you. But would you want him to run away if we believe
him innocent? And that is his only chance, as it seems to be.
I don't know, but it would be the best thing for him to
do. Yes, Yes, of course it is. That's what I've been
trying to tell you all along, only you wouldn't listen to me. If
I go away somewhere, it'll be all right. But if they find out
who I am and catch me, I tell you everything is dead against me.
Unless you let me go away, you will, won't you, don't
you see, Aunt Sarah. It's my only chance. I must be some
way of finding out the truth. You're innocent, Dick. I believe that,
and I mean to go to work and prove it. But if you
couldn't, if you failed, Yes, Miss Newcombe, We've got to think
of that, if you failed, and I'm afraid the chances are that you
would. I've been looking into the matter thoroughly, trying to see what defense
we could put up, and I must confess it looks pretty dubious. The
police say all they have to do is find their man. They've put their
machine to work to find them, and it's more than likely they'll succeed if
Dick stays here. When can I go tonight? Now? Oh, not
tonight. You can't go tonight, Dick. You must stay here till tomorrow
morning. Then mister Fillmore can see that you get away. If that's what's
best. And I don't know what it is. You must be saved Dick
some way, But I can't wait. I'm afraid he's right. He must
go tonight. You keep him here for an hour or so, Miss Newcomb,
and in the meantime, I'll go and get some things ready, buy
a ticket, and then come back for him. But where two? Where
shall we go? Why not to the farm? Lillian and Aaron would look
after him. No, not yet. They might trace him there through his
mother. They do all sorts of unlikely things. You know, he'll have
to go farther away, say to the west. I'll buy a ticket.
He can leave late tonight. Yes, I know I can do it.
He braces up, looking more hopeful. Rising, Leonard starts up left.
All right, just as you say, Lynn, you go and make the
arrangements. I'll take Dick up to my room. Nobody will see him there,
but I suppose we'd better tell Helen. Yes, it would be best
to let her now. We can still keep it from his mother. Leonard
goes up about to exit, but pauses, looks off right they are coming,
Miss Brewster, and Dick starts to go. Sarah holds him, then
leads him to left second exit. Here coming here till he goes. Then
I'll get you upstairs. Excellent. Sarah and Dick left second exit. Leonard
Glance is right, then goes up, gets hut and coat exits left up
exit and to Helen and Dearing right. She seems somewhat disturbed. He shows
evidence of anger and chakra. Do you mean to say that this is your
final answer? You refuse me? Yes, I cannot be your wife,
mister Dearing. I don't love you, but if I am willing to wait,
to run the chance of being able to win your love, love does
not come like that. I hesitates meaningly. I see you don't think I
am fit. It is sufficient that I say I do not care to be
your wife. It was not so long ago, not many weeks or days
since you seemed rather inclined to consider the transaction. Perhaps you have met the
man whom you can regard. I think I understand. I cannot help what
you think. There is no more to be said, starts right about to
go out. You may change your mind. A woman does sometimes, You
know if so you may find the proposition still open. No, please,
you will excuse me. She turns from him, rings bell and goes up
right, after slight pause, and to Hanson left apprehensions the gentleman's hat and
coat. Please Hanson, She bows coolly and exits right. Daring stands looking
after her resentments, then anger with a mean, vindictive expression dawning upon his
face. Then he smiles derisively, stops, listens, and goes and looks
off left. Second Exit stands looking off with growing interest. Hanson has gone
out left up. Exit now returns with Deering's hat and coat. Stands up
left waiting. Look who is that in there? Hanson coming down looking off
left. You mean, sir, there the young man talking to miss Newcombe
and the others. That sir, Why that's mister Richard. You mean missus
Brewster's son, Miss Helen's brother. Why, yes, sir, I see
that will do. Thank you. You needn't wait very well, sir,
Exit Hanson right. Deering is still looking off left with renewed interest, which
becomes repressed excitement with something of exultation. He pauses a moment, then,
with a gloating smile, goes up and takes the telephone receiver. Hello,
Hello, give me police headquarters. Yes, the Bureau of Police, the
Chief of Police at once, please waits feverishly. There is an appreciable pause.
Then he speaks again, with tones that thrill with tense impatience. Yes,
Yes, is this police headquarters? Yes, the chief. It is
most important. There is another pause, during which, holding the receiver to
his ear, daring glances towards left with a look of vengeful triumph. Hello,
is this the chief of police? All right? Never mind who this
is. You are looking for the man who killed miss navarre La Navarre,
the actress, about two weeks ago. Well, his name is Brewster,
Richard Brewster. You will find him at his home one seven six Ellington Avenue.
Yes, Ellington one seven six. He is there now, But lose
no time. Send at once, or it will be too late. He
hangs up receiver, takes coat and hat, glances once more towards left,
second exit, with a smile of wicked satisfaction, tosses his head slightly knowingly,
and exits quickly left upper exit curtain. End of Act two, Act
three of Alias Miss Sherlock by Arthur Lewis Tubbs. This is a LibriVox recording.
All LibriVox record rings are in the public domain. For more information or
volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org. Act three scene parlor of a small
apartment uptown, New York, well but not elaborately furnished. There is a
doll right leading to a small entry, with another door beyond to hall door
or narrow archway left with thick draperies parted in center, telephone, etc.
Discover Dick Brewster sitting center. He is ghastly pale, looking exhausted, his
head drooping, eyes nearly closed, hands hanging limply oversides of chair. He
has just been put through the third degree and is almost a mental and physical
wreck. He is muttering in a final gasp of denial to the demands that
he confess. Henry Markham, the detective, stands at his left, looking
sternly down at him. Higgins, an officer in uniform right center, somewhat
back Dick, shaking heads slowly and speaking in wavering tones. No, No,
I didn't, I didn't do it, Markham, sternly seizing his shoulder,
shaking him roughly. Come now, stop that faking. You've got life
enough in you if you wanted to show it. You can't fool me.
The sooner you make a clean breast of this thing, the better it'll be
for you. No, no, I can't. You stood behind those curtains
and fired the shot that killed that woman, the woman that threw you over.
And we can prove it if you own up to it and tell us
all about it, so we know what your provocation was. Why then your
gets a mercy. But if you don't, Dick still shakes his head weakly,
murmuring a refusal. Pluggy, little guy, adybas you're not lucky as
if the doorbell rings right, that'll do for you, Nor remarks from the
gallery. See who that is, and whoever it is, tell them they
can't come in and to left. Delphine the French maid, without looking to
right or left, she goes to right to open the door, but Higgins
is ahead of her. He open store, goes into entry. Delphine goes
back to left, exits that stands behind curtains, peering through listening. Markam
sees her glances in her direction, and she disappears, pulling curtains together.
Higgins enters right, cautiously, holding the door slightly open. It's that young,
are your fellow fillmore? Don't know what right he has here? Tell
me can't come in. Higgins is about to go out right when the door
is pushed open and Leonard enters, thrusting him aside. He is followed by
Sarah, who at once sees Dick and goes to him, kneeling by his
side in spite of Markham, who is too surprised to prevent her. Dick,
Oh, Dick, what have they been doing to you? Dick?
I am here, your aunt, Sarah, look at me, Dick,
Dick. Dick falls over lifelessly into her arms. She fondles him. What's
all this? Where did this woman come from? She has no right here,
addressing Leonard nor you either. I don't know no law against coming in.
I guess seeing we rang the bell and somebody opened the door. Anyhow,
we're here, so I see, and I'd like to know what it
means. How'd you find out? It wasn't given out down at headquarters?
Are reckon? I found out though. It seems I heard you were going
to put this boy through your villainous third degree, and I would have managed
to prevent it some way if i'd known it in time. Oh, you
would think you've got a lot of influence, don't you. Well maybe you
have back in that jay Berg where you come from. But I guess you
can't very well upset the whole New York Police Department and the Detective Force.
We haven't got through with this young fellow yet, and you won't find it
wise to interfere, Sarah placing Dick's head against back of chair and springing up
facing Malkham boldly, Well, I'll interfere. I won't let you torture this
poor boy anymore. Look at him, what sheep he is in. It's
wicked, shameful. How can you do it? It's truel, It isn't
fair. Excuse me, madam, but I guess we know our business and
what's right and fair. Without any advice from anybody, we brought this young
fellow here where he committed that crime, to make him confess, and if
he knows what's best for him, he'll do it. Confess confess to something
he never did. No, never, He shan't do that. You can't
make him do it. I wouldn't interfere, Miss Newcomb if I were you
to welcome. I don't believe you want to do anything unjust inadvisable. I
mean, you must see that my client is in no condition to stand anymore.
It looks like you'd put him through a pretty severe ordeal. Already.
Give it. The poor boy a chance. Huh. Yes, he had
a chance, all right, a chance to skip with your help. It
seems if we hadn't gotten a tip, had been a little too quick for
you. We got there just in time. It seems to catch the bird
almost on the wing. What kind of business you call that? For a
lawyer helping a murderer to escape. We believe the boy to be innocent.
I am his attorney. I wanted time to look up evidence, to prepare
a defense, to get him away. You mean, because you know there
ain't a chance for him. Well, you see you didn't do it,
seize his hold of stick, trying to make him rise. Come come along.
You needn't try any more of that, pretending I know all about that?
What What are you going to do with him? Going to finish our
job? Of course? You don't think we ever give up, do you?
Yes not. We got just a little more to say to this chap.
Just as soon as you'll be so obliging as to leave. Beg pardon
madam for seeming impolite. But business is business and duty's duty. But can't
you see he isn't able to and anymore? Look at him. He's nothing
but a poor, weak, scared boy. I guess I know what he
is. All right, you'll have to stand aside, Madam. Sarah has
sunk down by chair, holding Dick in her arms as if to shield him.
Markham starts to take hold of him. Leonard, who stands right center,
looks on as if doubtful just what to do. Higgins comes down,
stands near Markham left center. Come, you might as well get up.
I've got a few things to say to you. Yet. See here,
mister Markham, don't you think you can call it off for the present.
I know when it's time to call things off. What I want you to
do is take this lady and get out. This is serious business and we're
losing time. Very well, I suppose we must submit, patting Dick on
back, Brace up, my boy, don't give in. We will have
to go now, but we shan't forget you a minute. Remember that Dick
reaching up his hand, which Leonard grasps. Thanks. I know I'll try
Leonard, dropping Dick's hand, taking Sarah by arm, assisting her to rise.
Come, Miss Newcomb, we'll have to go now. I'm sorry,
but we'll have to. I guess Sarah wants more appealing to Markham. Oh,
sir, won't you stop trying to make him say what he never means
to say unless you drive him to the point where he doesn't know it.
He's not a murderer, that boy. Look at him, can't you tell
he Isn't that kind? Promise me if we go, you'll let him alone
for tonight anyway, and take him back and let him have some sleep.
Why he's all played out? Just a rag. I know what to do,
madam. You leave it to me. I'm not madam, I'm just
Miss new Come from the country where folks have hearts, and give them that
I'm in trouble a chance instead of kicking him and grinding him down and never
giving him a fair show. I'm this boy's aunt, his mother's sister,
and I love him as much as his own mother ever did I guess more?
And I want to help him. Won't you do what I ask?
Let him? Excuse me? Tain't no use your talking, madam or miss
because I got orders and I'm going to carry him out. We came here
for a purpose and we're going to stick to it. So the sooner you
get out of the way, the better it'll be for all concerned. Sarah
standing over Dick, her hand on his shoulder. Then you'll have to carry
me away, for I am here and I won't budge a step Miss Newcombe.
See here, ma'am, this won't do. It's all foolishness, us
losing time this way. Used that aside, and let us do our duty.
Is it your dude, she to crush the very life out of this
poor boy. Well then it's my duty to stand between him and you and
protect him. And I mean to do it as long as there's a mite
of strength left in my body. Markham seizing hold of her arm. See
here, I've had enough of this. Either used epp aside, or I'll
place you under arrest, mister Markham. That's what I said. What do
you think I am? She's interfering with the law. Sarah wrenches herself free
from his grasp, facing him defiantly. For a moment, he seems too
taken aback to interrupt her. You talk about the law that the likes of
you are chosen to enforce you, You who are not men but great ravenous
beasts looking for something to tear to pieces and devour. You want a victim,
What do you care if it is a poor, weak boy who hasn't
the strength to defend himself. It's all the better for you, all the
easier. It's somebody for you to shake and choke and grind under your heel
till they haven't life enough left to do anything but give up. What if
he is innocent? You don't think of that. All you want is to
show that you represent the law and to hold your jobs and prove what great
detectives you are, Madam, you'd better. He approaches her menacingly. Leonard
also makes an attempt to silence her, but she thrusts them both aside,
still a sailing Markham law. Don't you know there's a law of pity and
mercy and justice as well as one of might and terror, the kind that
puts folks behind prison bars and hangs them, maybe for something they never did.
Is it justice to trying to prove a person committed a crime and never
trying to prove they didn't. Why don't you look for something that might help
this poor boy insta of saying he's guilty and letting it go with that proofs.
You say you have proofs, but you don't mean to let him prove
that you are wrong. You don't want him to. You're afraid he will.
Even if you saw a chance to save him, you wouldn't take it,
because then you'd have to go to work all over again. All you
want is a victim, someone to hang. Well, you shan't have,
my boy, You shan't, You shan't. She finally gives up, partly
exhausted again, sinks down on floor by Dick shielding him, still looking up
at Markham defiantly, though with wavering strength he has stood, looking at her,
at first angrily, then dumbfounded, finally with a half good natured expression.
He now shakes his head murmurs, well, oh be Leonard to Markham.
She'll be all right, mister Markham, if you'll just let me,
Oh, all right, go ahead. I guess we won't bother any more
to day. You mean you'll call it off, Yes, I guess so
for the present, Leonard to Sarah, helping her to rise, Miss Newcomb,
it'll be all right now, mister Markham says they won't carry it any
further today. Sarah in a sort of days to Markham, you mean you
let him rest sleep? Yes, I guess we can fix it. It's
getting late. And see here, Higgins, we'll take him back now and
postpone this business till tomorrow. Markham and officer are right center, somewhat back
Leonard right Sarah and Dick senta she with arm about him. Do you hear,
Dick, They're going to let you have some rest now, It'll be
all right. You try to be brave and don't forget. I'm not giving
up for a minute. Dick, with a show of better courage, I
will Answerah, I'm going to brace up and make the best of it.
I didn't mean to give way like that, but I couldn't help it.
They drove me to it. I know, Dick boy, I know.
Come now, you'll have to go, but keep up your courage and we'll
save you yet. You see, if we don't, she leads him up,
he goes with the officer with an attempt at braveness, smiling faintly at
Sarah as she kisses him with a pat on the shoulder. The officer takes
him out right, followed by Markham, who shakes his head slightly, as
if it were all too much for him. Leonard lingers, well, I
must say no, you mustn't. You needn't say a word. I know
what you think. But I ain't crazy, and I wouldn't care if I
was. I got the best of that detective and gave him a piece of
my mind that I hope he won't forget. Well, I should say you
did a pretty generous piece, but I'm afraid you have a wrong idea as
to what you did to him. But I made him give up. You
think he'll keep his word, don't you? Oh? Yes, so far
as that goes. But I don't see as we've gained much except a brief
respite for Dick. Of course that's something, but we might as well face
the facts. We haven't found a clue yet, not a thing to refute
their evidence, not even who gave them that tip, which upset all our
plans. That certainly was a blow. Yes, I almost gave up for
a while. It certainly is a mystery. Somebody knows, somebody who has
an object in causing Dick's arrest. But who who? He declares. Nobody
knew his name, but miss Navarre. Nobody else saw him there except those
two, the man and this French maid del whatever her name is. Then
it was one of them that notified the police. But how did they know.
You haven't found out who the man was. No, there seems to
have been a lot of them. My, she must have been one of
them vampire things it tells about in some of those detective stories, the kind
they have in the movies. Poor thing. Maybe her fate was no more
than she deserved. But to say that, Dick, Len, something's got
to be done for one thing. I'm going to stay here and talk to
that frenchwoman. I may be able to get something out of her. I
doubt it. She seems to have told all she knows. The police say
her story hangs together. Oh, we can't get away from it. Everything
points to young Brewster, but points wrong. I know it. There's something
strange about all this. I mean something. We haven't even got an inkling
off yet, Len, I want you to go away and leave me.
I want to look around a little and talk to that woman. I don't
see the use The police have examined everything here so have. I. Yes,
I know the police have and you have, but I haven't. I
may think I'm too smart, Len, but it won't do any hurt for
me to try. Something's got to be done. We are right up against
that blank wall, and I'm going to make a desperate effort to find a
loose stone in it. There must be a hole in it somewhere, if
it's only a chink, and I shan't give up till I see at least
a speck of light shining through. Well, I suppose, being a woman,
you'll have to have your own way. You ought to know that by
this time. So I want you to go and leave me here for a
while. M I don't know about that. I'm not so sure it would
be safe. Pshaw. I guess I can take care of myself. Of
course, you can wait downstairs for me if you want to. You might
come up, say in fifteen minutes or so, and see if I'm still
alive or need any help. Well, I suppose if you say so,
I do so. Supposing you vanish, I want a chance to look around
and take things in. There may be a clue here somewhere, just waiting
for me to pick it up. And maybe I can beat the great mark
him at his own game. Tenny rate. I'll feel bitter satisfied to try,
Leonard. That all right, very well, there's a telephone. I'll
be down in the office. If you need me, phone down and I'll
come right up. Otherwise I'll wait fifteen minutes, watch twenty. You needn't
be in such an awful hurry. Oh all right, take your time.
Only remember there's the telephone, and be careful. Oh go on, I
know what to do. Exit Leonard right. Sarah goes and close his door
after him, stands for a moment, nob in hand, looking about,
then comes to center, stands gazing around to right to left, up,
down, who's about examining everything closely? She does not appear to notice the
curtains across door left, but gradually working her way in that direction, suddenly
flings them apart, disclosing Delphine, who has been watching her, come right
in. I was just going to call you, Delphine, entering a bit
confused but still self possessed, we madame. I was about to inquire if
I could be of assistance. That's very kind of you. Seem real anxious,
don't you anxious? Oh, we such a more, Madame. You've
cut it a little different from the rest of them, haven't you. I
suppose that's French Madame meaning the same is just plain madam in New York language.
Well, I ain't either of them. I'm just miss plain, miss
Newcombe. I see mademoiselle dumb zell Land. Sounds like swearing, don't it.
I always heard you French woman. Won't very particular how you talked?
Come all the way from France, did you? OHI a very long time
ago, since I am quite petite, so must feel quite at home here
by this time. Kind of strange you still jabber French talk, seems so
you might know all United States by this time. Oh, But always I
am of my own language, so fond I do not so much seek to
speak the anglaise I see to memory, dear, as the old song says.
Well, anyway, supposing we sit down for a while and have a
little talk, I'd kind of like to ask you a few things, if
you don't mind, so sotement if Madame wish, but I will stand to
sit also with Madame would not be what you say. The thing, so
I suppose maybe it wouldn't if that's the way you look at it. Still
working here are you? I stay for a time. Oh, my poor
mistress, Mademoiselle NEvAr, wiping her eyes, appearing grief stricken. A pardon,
but it is so terrible, such shock as you say, I have
not yet of myself to control. She was so kind, I am of
her, so fond. How long had you worked for her? Oh?
Not for so long a time, A three month maybefore with her? I
cannot now just remember. Also she treats me as a friend, My poor
poor mistress, who have been so cruelly murdered by that mister Brewster. Stop
don't say that he's my nephew and no murderer. Oh I know they say
he is. You may think he did it, but I don't. And
all the detectives in New York and the whole police department to boot couldn't make
me believe it. I beg of Madame de pardon. I mean not to
offend, but it is so plain. There can be no doubt what I
see, I see, what I know, I know. Well, sometimes
folks think they see more, and they do and don't know quite so much
as they think they do. Rising looking about, do you mind, sort
of pointing out just what you did see what happened here that day that your
mistress was killed. You didn't see it done, did you? Ah?
But yes, almost it was the same I heard. I saw her,
poor miss Navar, lying there, oh, so cruelly murdered, lying in
a little pool of blood, her blood. And then then she pauses,
shuddering. But ain't you getting a little ahead of your story? First?
You say you heard heard what a pistol go off? Go off? Oh
we eat make the bank noise? So just as I come up in the
elevator and get off here at this floor. So you didn't come on home
with miss Navarre that day? No, seldom I would do that. Always
you would have some friend, some gentleman, who would take her out to
suppare, escort her home. I am to stay at the theater in a
dressing room, to put away her costumes, to arrange everything. You know,
I come later by and by when I am true, that is how.
But seldom it is that I come with her. She had quite a
lot of gentlemen friends, didn't she. Oh Oi, it was Minnie.
She was so popular that day. It seems it was the young man mister
brewsteraire as you say, you're how is it my nephew? OUI but I
did not know him. Never would she tell me the names. It is
sometimes the one, sometimes it is another. I ask no questions. I
know my place. You had never seen my nephew, mister Brewster before that
day, No, never had I seen him until I enter after the shot,
find my mistress dead. Run here to this door, Put aside these
curtains. So and there stand the young man, your mister Brustre, his
eyes bulge, his faces of the crazy look. And there they're on the
floor. Right by him. I see the pistol with which he had just
fired the shot that killed my mistress. Delphine is holding back the curtains,
looking within the room. Off left. Sarah stands near her, looking at
same spot. The pistol laid right there. We I pick it up.
Oh, he picked it up and looked at it. Oh. We then
I think it is too horrible. I drop it in the same spot.
We in the same spot, right there? You see? Yes, I
see hmm. And in the meantime, what else happened? Where was Dick?
Oh? But he escape? I am so excited. He go quick
there points right and disappear. I am at the telephone when again I look,
he is gone. But about that other man that was here? What
became of him then? Why he also? He has gone? Oh he
skipped too. Where did he go? I do not see. When I
have called the police, I am alone, alone with her, my mistress
dead. But it seems that man showed up. Afterwards they have his testimony,
but then it is too late. The murderer, he is gone.
Yes, whoever, it was not the one you think, But we won't
argue that question. Now, I want to look around a little. I'll
see what this room looks like. Exit Sarah left. Delphine holds back curtain,
looking in at her. Sarah calls from within, where does this door
go to? The Oh? That door? It leads to the dining room.
Then it is the kitchen. It as they say, there is a
slight pause. Delphine drops curtain, comes to center, looking towards left,
showing some annoyance, scowls with a vindictive expression. Sarah enters, holding curtain
aside, looking back off left. There's just that one door, you say.
It leads into the dining room and on into the kitchen. So the
kitchen, we seldom use when we have the meals here, it is the
kettleer that would come in. Oh, that was the way you never did
the cooking. I cook, but no, never, I am not the
cook. Mon dieu. No, I don't see what you're staying here all
this time for anyway? No work for you to do. Not getting any
pay, are you? But my mistress already she have paid me in advance,
and the apartment also for some time it is paid the police, They
say, I shall stay for the prisons till they have been here. Sometimes
yes, and brought that poor boy to torture him. But don't you get
lonesome here? Feel kind of sort of creepy like creepy like I do not
know it is the strange word, but I need not to creep Well,
never mind, only I wondered. Now, let me see, couldn't somebody
have come in through that door in there and done it? But it is
not possible. The door always it is locked, locked, that door between
that room and the dining room. That's funny. Why no the other door
beyond the one that opens to the her the other entrants, you see,
always that is locked. Nobody could come in besides mister Brustaire. He was
there in this room, he see nobody. It is he that says so,
he was alone. Quite When I come the door beyond, I find
it still locked. Sarah puzzled, looking about, thinking deeply. And that
other man who was here, the one who's skipped out two, you don't
know who he was. But no, as I have told, Madame,
I believe some friend of miss Navarre who also come that day for the first
time here she know him as so jealous, is afraid. She tell mister
Brusteraire to hide there, and then when he suspects the quarrel, perhaps and
in from there behind the curtain. Mister Brustaire wild, jealous too of the
other one, crazy with the anger. He oh, that's how you Feeligure
it out? Is it? Well? There may have been somebody in there,
crazy and wild with the an gere. But you needn't tell me.
You have named the right person. I know better, Madam. Is it
that you would say, I do not tell all that It is not true
what I have said, But it is what you call coavide. The police
they believe, and of course they do. They'll believe anything that suits their
aside. You won't catch them trying to make it look any other way.
But what does Madam think? I don't think. I know that it wasn't
Dick Bruce that had shot that woman, no matter if everybody else in the
world says he did. But to prove I'm right, that's another thing.
You'd like to help me, wouldn't you? But I cannot. It is
not that I would not, but but what I know it is. Of
course I sympathize. Beginning to tire of interview. Now, if Madame would
care to go, thanks, but I'm in no hurry. I guess I'll
stay a while longer sits left center, but you needn't wait. I know
the way out. Delphine goes door left, and if Madame should wish for
me, she will call yes, but say, I wish you'd call me
miss. I hate that madame business. Oh, sir tomone niece. Thanks,
that's more like it, just Miss Newcombe. It makes me feel like
a dressmaker or a woman that tells fortunes or fixes fingernails to be called madam
all the time. She sits in deep thought, seeming not to notice Delphine,
who is about to exit left. She looks towards door right, and
speaks just as delph imparts curtains left and is about to exit. Mm.
By the way, that door there, pointing to write, there's another one
and a little entry between, isn't there, Delphine coming part way back to
left center? Try? Oh we vestibule, Yes, if that's what you
call it. She goes right open's door, looking out that door, the
one into the hall that's kept locked. I suppose we always it is locked.
It is the spring lock. Then it was locked that day of the
that it happened. But you burst right in after you heard that shot.
Had a key, I suppose why? Of course, miss NEvAr I both
we have the key, the same one. No, no, each we
have one. Then when you got off the elevator, just as you heard
the shot, you unlocked the door and rushed right in. Delphine, makes
a sense, I see. And when you came in, you saw miss
Navarre there on the floor. Yes, yes, as I have said,
my poor mistress, Yes, yes you mean we we don't yer. Well,
anyway, you rushed right across this room and pulled aside those curtains.
How did you know there was anybody behind them? But I have held the
shot. I look I see a hand a face there in the curtains.
I look it is he m, it didn't take you long to unlock the
door and get in after you got off the elevator. Did it had the
key already? I suppose? Why? Of course it is so easy.
It at take but a second. Now, of course, that's just one
of my foolish questions. But I'd like to see the key. The key.
It is nothing, just a key, I know, but I'm sort
of curious, just like to look at it. If it ain't too much
trouble. It is strange, but of course it is in my bag.
I will get it. Exit Delphine left, Sarah has closed door, right,
comes to center, stands squinting her eyes with a keen, suspicious look.
After Delphine seems to be putting two and two together. After a slight
pause, enter Delphine left. Beat it. Delphine indicating yale key one of
two tied together. This Sarah taking keys, examining one indicated yes, and
what is this other one? The other one? Oh? Why it is
that we have two? Sure? And of course, so if you should
lose one, as one might so easily you see, sure, easy as
anything I've lost things myself, lots of times, keys too, but it
seems kind of funny to have him tied together like this. If you lose
one, you lose both, then how'd you get in? She has placed
one key on top of the other, comparing and examining them closely, feeling
of nixing them. It is not that I keep them, so I have
just tied them since. Oh, I see, of course, now you've
got the other one, the one that she had. Delphine somewhat relieved.
We why, of course, if you lose these, you have that one
now? All very plain? You say? These are both to that door,
indicating door, right, we both. She holds out her hand to
take keys. Sarah is about to give them to her when the doorbell rings,
right, and she keeps them there. That's Lynn Fillmore. He said
he'd come up after me. Starts to door. I Delphine is about to
open door, right, but Sarah intercepts her. Never mind, I'll let
him in. But Madame pot On, it is my place, land.
I guess I've been to doors. She is too quick for Delphine open store
and quickly goes out, pulling door shut behind her. Delphine seems annoyed.
After pause, open store, cautiously peering out Sarah outside. All right,
Lynn go right in. Delphine closes door, quickly goes to center just as
Leonard enters. Right. Oh you're here, are you? Del Paene de
la fine? Monsieur? Oh, yes, fen new one on me?
French, isn't it? Oh? We nice name? All right? Suits
you Mercy? Mercy? Oh yes, that means much obliged. You're welcome.
Nice name, nice girl. You were miss Navarre's maid. I understand
we I am her maid. Am Oh, I see that's your way of
saying, was a sort of hired girl you were? I suppose I know,
not that hired girl if it is the seventh that you mean. No,
well you're a girl and you got paid. I guess it's about the
same thing. But I suppose you didn't do much housework. Monsieur would joke
with me. I beg to be excuse use about to exit left. Sure
you needn't get mad about it. You and miss Newcomb have been having quite
a chat here, haven't you. Oh? Indeed, march it is that
she is so inquisitive you mustn't mind her. She means all right, looking
right. I wonder if she's got lost. I guess i'd better look Delphine
at door right, I will see she is about to open door when Sarah
enters. Ready, Lenn, well, I should say you yes already now,
yes, you think it's about time? Looking about in search of something
in back, Then on floor, I declare, I've lost my handkerchief.
Must have dropped it to Delphine. Maybe it's in that room there? Would
you mind looking? No stam exit Delphine left. The curtains are closed,
Sarah glancing left, then going and looking through curtains, closing them, coming
back, speaking cautiously to Leonard, Lenn Yes, glancing left. You know
that stone wall, the blind one. Yes, well there is a chink
in it, a hole. Ah, and it's a key hole. Going
right, about to exit. He follows her curiously, Yes, Lenn,
a key hole, and I think I've got the key that fits it.
Exit Sarah, door right. Leonard at door, holding it part way open,
looks out after her with wrinkled brows, then smiles indulgently. Exit Leonard
right. That same instant entered Delphine left. I did not find. She
looks surprised, puzzled, hastens to door right just as Leonard closes it behind
him, she opens it, Madame. The key the outer door is heard
to slam. Delphine stands with knob of inner door in her hand, looking
out a perplexed expression, then one of apprehension. Fright dawns upon her face
curtain end of Act three, Act four of Alias Miss Sherlock by Arthur Lewis
Tubbs. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public
domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox dot org.
Act four scene the same as two. About three weeks later, discover Aaron
Flint standing up by left upper entrance, with cheap suitcase in one hand,
a rolled up umbrella in the other, his hat on pushed back. Lilian
is part way down center. She wears hat coat, etc. Has handbag
and a good sized package of brown paper well tied with string. They are
both looking at Hanson, who is posed in left upper entrance in his most
pompous attitude. Wow, I guess you can tell Miss Newcombe we're here,
can't You should think you might do that much to Blige. She's staying here,
ain't she Hanson gives a stiff bow in ascent. Well, and can't
you go and tell her? Aaron, you keep steel and take your head
off. Where's your manners? Aaron removes his hat sheepishly memory, Oh,
I suppose see, and you let us in that maybe you worked here.
But if I've made a mistake, I beg your pardon. I am the
butler any relation to Sam Butler up in Warren County Land. Aaron flint,
ain't you got a bit of sense? He means he's a waiter. Oh,
that's it. Then maybe he's waiting for a tip, filling in pockets.
Hanson shows offended dignity. That's the way they all be down this way.
Won't budge an inch unless you tip them. If you will present me
with your cards. He has cab tray, which he now holds out.
Aaron places a coin on it. Hanson pays no attention to this, though,
assuming an even more pompous manner. Man, we ain't got no cards.
We ain't that stylish. I guess it'll be all right if you just
go and tell her some friends of hers are here. What name, please
Newcombe? Sarah Newcomb? Pardon me? The names? I am to announce.
Oh you mean Aaron names? Never mind, Just tell her what I
said, some friends of hers. We want a surpriser and some turns,
And in a most dignified manner, goes upstairs. Aaron going to foot up
stairs, looking up after him. Well, now I'll be gum swizzled if
he ain't the darnedest I thought. Maybe twas the King of Egypt or somebody
here making him a visit. Yes, of course you had to go and
show your greenness. Land. I should think you'd know what a butler is,
after all them storybooks you've read. It's only another name for hired man,
same as you me like law gosh, strangle me. Seems to me
you didn't know much more about it, and I did, though, when
it come to that. Guess if I'm green, you're a good match for
me. They have come part way down. Aaron has placed grip etc.
On one side. Both go about examining furniture, pictures, etc. Guy,
it fixed up pretty swell here, ain't me? Guess this is what
you'd call style? Yes, the kind of style. Miss Brewster and her
daughter keep up and then come and live on, Miss newcome all summer.
I guess if the truth was known. She's putting up for some of this
too, though she never lets on. I know her tis pretty grand,
though ain't nothing in Brookville like it, even at the hotel. Dang knows
we'll know how to act. They can't scare me with their high falutin things
and stuck up ways. I'm as good as they are when it comes to
that, and you needn't go to apologize, Aaron Flint, hold your head
up and act as if you as good as anybody. Gosh, I never
could act as if I was such a big bug as that butler fella the
idea, hen sh here she comes. Sarah appears at top of stairs.
They see her and draw back to one side so that she does not see
them. As she comes down, enters and to center. They then approach
her, one on each side. Henson comes downstairs, exits right. Sarah
turns, sees them in utter bewilderment, almost unable to speak. Why if
it isn't it can't be, But it is, miss newcom it's us.
We've found you. At last thought, we never would talk about your needle
in a woodpile. Guess we wouldn't, ye if it ain't been from my
detecative instinct. But I don't understand. I can't believe it. You Lily
Anne and Aaron way down here in New York and together? What does it
mean? Oh? We just thought we'd take a little trip. I thought
maybe you'd be glad to see us. Why I am, of course,
But it don't seem respectable. What'll folks say? Do they know about it?
There in Brookwell? Sure? Regular crowd there see us off? Lily
Anne? What does it mean? Are you crazy? I don't know,
but I am as Newcombe. I guess you'll think so when I tell you
the truth is we're married, married, you and Aaron Flint good Lynn.
You don't suppose I'd be taking a trip with him to New York if I
Wasn't you know me better than that, miss Newcombe. We've been married three
days, ain't it? Aaron? Seems more like three weeks or months?
To me? Oh? It does? Does it? Much? Obliged?
But how did it ever happen? After the way you always bow, Lily
Anne? But I declare, I'm so upset I for God to be polite.
Set down Lily Anne, and you too, Aaron Land's sakes lily Anne.
I suppose I ought to call you missus flint mercy me, don't you
do it? I wouldn't know the answer. Lilianne, I was Lilianne,
I Ane, and Lilianna always will be. I guess you will be to
me anyway, but tell me, oh well, Aaron. He kept pestering
me till I couldn't stand it any longer. So all of a sudden I
open said yes. I had to do it to get rid of them.
Made up my mind it'd be easier to handle a husband than a feller wanted
to be. Besides, the inducements was too much for me. I couldn't
hold out any longer when he said we'd come to New York and see you
and all the sights I'd been saving up for a considerable spell with this year
tripping view. And when I set my mind to a thing, well,
I most generally get it. I must say I admired your perseverance. Aaron.
Hm, I'm glad you took him, Lilianne. Only, I hope
it don't mean you're going to desert me. No, indeed, Miss Newcomb,
not much ah kalaiate We'll stick closer, never just run away. For
a little weddin tower, so to speak. Sal Bennett and Fidelia looking after
things at the farm. We attended to that, all right, we're just
taking a week, yes, and curtainly he' been to it, you bet
been stopping at the Astor house. Sounds real flowery, don't it? Tis
too in expansive? Appropriate too for a newly married Brighton couple. He asked
her, and she said she would. Aaron Flint, don't try to be
smart land Sakes, miss Newcomb. I have my hands full with him,
honest, I didn't know anybody could be so green? Why, Lily Anne?
Well, he is the man at the hotel told us a good show
to go to would be the Hippodrome, And Aaron, he says, is
that where they have trained hippopotamuses, as if they could. I guess you
needn't talk. When a policeman told us that tall slim building was a flat
iron building, Lillianne, she says, right out, Oh, let's go
in and see them make some flat irons. I was just joking. I
guess that wouldn't no worse than you trying to blow out the electric light.
Say them't do? Don't you believe her, Miss Newcombe, I guess I
ain't such an old hay seed as all that weren't me at any rate.
When we was up in Central Park and they pointed out that big statue they
called Cleopatra's Needle, it said needed What are they call it a needed for?
They ain't no eye hole in it? They begin to show signs of
a real tiff. Sarah tries to pacify them when it comes to that,
I guess we ain't no green and the city folks are in the country.
Remember that girl from New York that board it with Miss OrCAD last summer,
wanted to know which coward was gave butter milk gosh? I remember her,
She just thought it was cute. Pretend she didn't know nothing. Well,
there's plenty of em, don't have to pretend. But my goodness, Miss
Newcombe, we ain't ask you how you are? And how about that boy
your nephew, and all how's it coming out? We're hoping for the best,
Lily Anne. I'll tell you all about it later on. You must
be tired now and want to get brushed up a little. I'll see about
a room now. You needn't bother Miss Newcomb it might put you out some
sads. What miss Brewster think. Oh I can fix it all right,
you leave it to me. She starts up center, as if to show
them upstairs. Lilianne pauses center. Aaron is left center. Well we might
stay one night. Looks real stylished here, don't But I suppose you're getting
used to it. No, I can't say, I am. I can't
hardly wait to get back to the farm. But come on and we'll see
where you can sleep. I guess in the room right next to mine.
Oh, that'll be fun, Aaron. Where's that bundle? Aaron taking package
from chair where she had placed it. Here it is, dearie. Lilian,
sniffing at his display of sentiment, takes package. Here's a few things
I brought you, miss Newcomb. Just two or three of my fried cakes,
a little bottle of that preserved watermelon Ryan you're so fond of, and
two or three other little things. Sarah taking package. Oh, lili Anne,
how good of you, my, But they'll taste good. I'm so
tired of their fancy cooking. Here. Oh and some of your fried cakes,
of course, they maybe a little dry. And I got a dozen
or so red apples for Lynn fillmore in the grip, thought he might want
to treat Miss Brewster. Is he still shining up to her, Aaron Flint,
as if she'd have him? Not? But what he's too good for
her? And how is Lynn, Miss Newcombe? Oh, he's well about
played out though with the struggle to save my boy. But we'll do it,
we will. I'd better show you your room now. She is about
to lead the way upstairs when Helen enters, right, she sees them show
surprise. Why if it isn't mister and missus Aaron Flint, what married you
too? Sure ain't too enough? Don't mind him, Miss Brewster, he
ain't responsible. Yes, we're married. On our trip. Just call to
see Miss Newcombe and she's kind enough to want us to stay on that if
it won't put you out, Helen, with a display of cordiality, shaking
hands with them. Why no, of course it won't. We have plenty
of room. Please accept my congratulations. Thank you. I am wishing you
the same. I was just going to take him upstairs, Helen. I
thought i'd put them in the room next to mine. I guess it'll be
all right, won't it? Of course it will. But I'll call Hanson
press its button. I guess he ain't much stuck. I'm waiting on us.
If we'd be a newly married, brided couple on our wedding tower.
Helen smiles good naturedly. Lily Anne frowns at Aaron with an admonishing shake of
the head. Oh well, that's what we'd be, and I ain't ashamed
of it. By the way, we brung something for you, miss Brewster,
something for me. Yep, right from the farm of them red apples.
Leash one has our brun bim fillmoorsom, and I reckon he'll be willing
to divide him with you. Helen looks somewhat confused. Enter Hanson, right,
Hanson, show mister and missus Flint to the room. Next to Miss
Newcome's. Aaron has taken up grip, but now yields it to Hanson,
who handles it with extreme caution, as if fearing contamination. You needn't be
afraid of it, mister Butler, it won't bite. Hanson, in his
stiffest manner, goes up the stairs carrying the suitcase. Aaron takes the umbrella
package, etc. He and Lilian are following Hanson upstairs, she preceding him.
Part way up. Aaron turns and speaks, I hope you'll like the
apples, miss Brewster. Thought maybe they'd seem like old times, them red
ones. You know, thank you, you are very kind, Aaron Flant
you come up here. They ain't the same apples at all, Miss Brewster.
They're all gone long ago then summer ones. But these are red and
twice as sweet. Aaron at top of stairs, as he is about to
follow Lilian, who has made her exit, and that hals apt to give
you the stomach ache, extern Helen, paying no attention to his remark,
crosses to right center. Sarah comes down to center. You mustn't mind them,
Helen. They mean all right. I hope you don't mind their coming.
I was just as much surprised as you were. They never let me
know a thing about it. Why should I care? I am glad if
you are pleased to see them. Well, I don't know what emials say.
Henson comes downstairs, exit right. She has no right to object.
Isn't this practically your house now? Surely, Helen? You know I don't
want you to feel that way, don't you think with all we've got to
bear. We might be a little closer together, you and me, Helen.
I'm your aunt. I want to see you happy, if only I'm
afraid there's not much happiness in store for me, Aunt, Sarah. Even
if you succeed in saving Dick, as you seem to think you can,
you can't save me. Why, Helen, girl, what do you mean?
You've given up that man? And now isn't there another one? Someone?
You? Really? There is no one else. I have sent for
him to ask his forgiveness for what I said to him. He is coming
this afternoon. I am to be his. But Helen, you can't marry
that man, even if he still wants you. You mustn't. I can,
I must. It is the only way I have made up my mind.
Well, I guess you're a woman in have to change it to make
it up all over again. If you knew what that man is, what
he has done, it would make no difference. She kindly but firmly puts
Sarah aside and goes up. Right there, she meets Missus Brewster, who
enters right upper entrance. Sarah goes towards Missus Brewster speaks with vehemence. Helen
pauses m Brewster, What kind of woman are you? What kind of mother?
A woman that thinks of nothing but herself, of having a fine house
to live in, grand clothes to put on her back, and jewelry to
hang around her neck and dangle in her ears. A mother who would sell
her own daughter to get those things, sell her to a man who isn't
fit to wipe a decent girl's shoes? Is that what you are, my
sister? And I'm ashamed of you. Sorry, we had the same mother.
Look what's come to you? A son? And now you want to
bring your daughter to something worse. He's innocent, while you you want to
make this girl the property of a man who has who But you shan't do
it. You shan't, Missus Brewster, who has stood apparently too dumbfounded to
speak, or as if trying in vain to do so. How dare you
talk to me like this? How dare you? Dear? Do you think
I'm afraid of you of anything when it comes to this, No, what
I'm afraid of is to trust you with your own child, And I'm going
to save her from you, from her own mother. She has gone up
right now, exits missus Brewster, and Helen seemed too surprised to speak.
Missus Brewster, quivering with anger, standing center, Helen, who has gone
to left center, overcome with grief and shame, sinks into chair, covering
her face with hands. I will not put up with it. I shall
turn her out of the house. Even if she is my sister. Perhaps
it is she who can turn us out. Don't forget that she with her
palter and money. We'll see how far she can go. She shall leave
this house. But wait soon as she may have no further claim upon us,
Helen. What do you mean that you've reconsidered? That is not too
late, Helen. She has risen stuns Santa. It means that I have
sent for him, that he is coming back, missus Brewster, as if
to caressa but desisting as Helen draws away coldly. My daughter, my own
darling child. No, please, let there be no false sentiment between us.
I'm going to sacrifice myself. He is coming to gloat over me,
over the woman who, after all humbles herself at his feet. Let us
understand each other. Mother, tell the truth this once. Then I will
seal it up in my heart forever and bear it all in silence. Helen.
No, if you feel that way about it, I won't let you.
Oh, you needn't upbraid yourself. I know what I am doing.
It may mean that we can free Dick too, hide our disgrace. Money
can do anything like that. I needn't count. It doesn't matter that I
shall be living a lie. I shall not be the first woman that has
sold herself for money to a man. She loathes when she loves another.
Helen, you don't mean you can't not that you love Helen turns to her
in a sudden, brief surrender to her real feelings. Yes, let me
own it this once, though not to him. He shall never know.
But I love him. I love him, I have from the very first,
though I didn't realize it. Then he is a man, a true
noble man, worthy of my love, of any woman's love. But I
I am not worthy of his. She breaks down. Missus Bruceter looks at
her with some show of compassion, but still evidently rejoicing that she has gained
her point. But that uncouth countryman Helen, throwing off her real feelings with
a forced air of hardness and indifference, though still with a trace of deeper
emotion. We will not speak of it anymore ever again. Remember, but
you needn't fear. I shall keep my word. She is about to go
upright, but suddenly pauses. Oh, by the way, I forgot.
We have some guests. Guests, yes, whom, no doubt you will
be overjoyed to see old friends of yours, mister and missus Flint. Flint,
you cannot mean Aaron and his blushing bride, Lilianne, from the fair
domain of the Newcomb Farm in Brookville. They are here on their wedding trip
and have honored us with their presence for a brief sojourn. I must confess
I was quite pleased to see them. I shall not submit. How could
Sarah presume to invite them here? She didn't. They took her by surprise
also, But I shouldn't worry. Doubtless they will be sufficiently entertained without our
assistance. The dope rings Helen starts with a suppressed shudder. That may be
I cannot see him just yet. I will be in the library. Exit
Helen right, enter, Hanson right goes out left up exit. Missus Brewster
stands right center with an expectant look denoting triumph. After a pause, Hanson,
Chason, Leonard Fillmore exit Henson right, Missus Brewster suddenly assuming a cold,
distant manner, Good afternoon, mister Fillmore, you will pardon me.
I was expecting a gentleman starts to go upright, disdaining him. He has
entered expectantly with a cordial look. But Wilt's half good naturedly at her attitude.
Oh, I see, sorry if I don't fit the bell, Missus
Brewster, realizing her rudeness, speaking a bit more cordially. Of course,
I meant another gentleman. Thanks. I feel better, but I can't see
miss Newcombe. If I may, who will have her informed that you are
here? Except missus Brewster. Wright. Leonard is down right center by table,
does not notice Aaron and Lilian who appear at top of stairs. They
have TIEDI it up. Aaron with hair shinily sleeked, et cetera, liliane
with change to brighter dress or shirt waist or with an added gay ribbon or
something of the sort. They see Leonard steal down close to him, one
on either side. How do you do? Leonard turns, sees them,
almost overcome by surprise. What Aaron Lilian, mister m missus, Aaron Flint,
if you please never you don't mean sure thing, Ashma blushing bride,
Yes, Lynn, that's us. Well, I'll be switched. You've put
one over on us this time, and no mistake. Shake gives one hunt
to each say shake most cordially wonders never sees. So you gave in at
last, Lily Anne Land Lynn. I just had to. They weren't no
other ways I could see as ever get into New York. I just had
to come and see you and Miss Newcombe and find out everything if you're going
to save that boy in all just couldn't stand it, and a little thing
like having Aaron here for a husband didn't count. She's got me, though,
and I'll keep even after we get back to the farm. Then my
part will come in. I ain't worrying. Tell me, Lynn, how
are you? What's the prospects? And everything? I can't I tell you
now. I'm almost too overcome and so glad to see you that I can
hardly talk. Hope you'll stay long enough for us to give you the best
time anybody ever had. But just at present, I'm up to my neck
in the job of my life. The trial comes off day after tomorrow,
and there's a lot to do before then. Oh Lynn, you're going to
save him? Well, I can tell you this much. If I do,
it will be owing to Miss Newcombe to what she has done. That
woman's a wonder what she can't see through and figure out? De check is
eve instinct just link mine. You couldn't detect a clue as big as an
elephant unless it bit you. I ain't surprised at Miss Newcombe though all the
mystery stories and such. I'm waiting to see her. It's most important.
So if you don't mind, will you just leave us alone for a few
minutes. I'm sorry, but you understand. Sure we do. We'll just
snoop around little and see what we can see. Come along, sweetie,
Lilian sniffing at his show of sentiment, she follows him to left second exit.
All right, Lean, maybe we'll find the kitchen so that I can
see what kind of hired girl they got. I might get a few pointers
on real style. So when you and your city bride come to Brookville on
your wedding trip, Oh calm, Lily, Bud, I bet he'd rather
have your cooking any day. Wouldn't you, Lanne. You've said it,
Aaron, But I ain't objecting to getting a sniff of what we're going to
get here for supper. I'm as hungry as seven bears in a woodchuck.
Exit. Aaron left second, except so am I to tell the truth.
I don't see as being married spoils your appetite a bit, excepting for being
married. Exit Lilian left second. Exit. Lennard smiles, turns and meet
Sarah, who enters right. Oh, Lynn, here you are at last.
I've been almost crazy waiting for you. Tell me? Did you fix
it? Will that woman be here? Yes? I had quite a time,
but at last convinced Markham that it was of crucial importance. She has
left the apartment, and at first he said we must come to headquarters where
she is detained as a material witness. But finally he consented to bring her
here. It looks like things we're playing into our hands at last. Didn't
I tell you they would? They are sure to come right in the end.
Well, it's a good thing to hope anyway. And as for hope,
do you think there's any I mean, do you think sure there is?
Lynn? But you've got to fight for that too. It's her mother.
If it wasn't for her, why what has she done now? I
hate to tell you, Lynn, but the truth is Helen has sent for
that man to come back to take bank what she said to him, to
tell him she'll be his. But how can she when she knows you mustn't
let her assert your rights. She thinks she must sacrifice herself. But do
you mean to stand back and let that man have her? Huh? I'd
grab her up and carry her off by main force. First hum, cave
man stuff a good idea. Well, I don't know about any cave part,
but thank yous, you're just a man that could do it once you
got your spunk up. But tell me, I'm dying to know. How
is Dick bearing up like a man? He has new courage thanks to you.
We can't fail now, we mustn't, But I guess it's still up
to you, Miss Newcomb. The woman sticks to her story, hasn't budged
an inch. The police believe her, and if you can't shake her,
I don't know who or what can. She's a pretty slick one. All
I want is one more chance at her. What we've found out in the
past three weeks, maybe a little surprise for her and a few others.
It takes a woman to see through a woman, and I began to see
through that one in just about two minutes. That French accent didn't sound quite
like the real thing to me, little as I know about it. She
slipped back into plain American without noticing it once or twice. And I noticed
what none of you men did. That her eyes don't match that black hair,
and that that hair has been dyed. And she was a little too
ready to explain things like she'd thought him out beforehand. And those two keys,
two keys that fit the same lock, don't have different nicks to him.
My fingers soon told me that the doorbell rings. Ah, there's the
bell again. I guess that's about the busiest little doorbell in New York lately.
Hanson is earning his wages for once, and I mean to see that
he gets him and a Hanson. Write Henson, whoever that is, keep
him out there in the hall till you'll let us know who it is.
Exit Henson, left up. Exit. There is a slight pause. Sarah
goes up and looks off left up Exit. It's them, and I'll vanish
for the present. Now's your chance. Er. I sort of traded it
after all. Exit Leonard left second exit. Sarah is going right center as
Markham enters left up exit. He comes down looking somewhat puzzled and not altogether
pleased. Good afternoon, mister Markham. Well I've brought the woman. What
are you going to do about it? Talk to her a few minutes,
if you'll let me. I don't see what for That woman's talked and Ben
talked to till there's nothing more to be said. Don't you suppose we got
everything out of her? She's got to tell all she's got to tell you,
maybe, but not all she's got to tell if I can make her
tell it. Markham, snaring with a sarcastic laugh. Qu are kind of
business this anyway? Sort of irregular? But Fillmore told me it was for
something that couldn't be done in any other way, and I don't want to
be contrary. I suppose it's all right. It's only fair to give you
your chance. I suppose, though I must say, I don't see what
you think you're going to do. What I'm going to do, first,
mister Markham, is to ask you to leave me alone with her. I
don't see an objection to that, but of course I'll have to stick around.
I want you to indicating left second exit in that room. I want
you to hear every word that is said and act accordingly. That satisfactory.
She's out in the hall there. I told her to wait. Oh,
Higgins is outside. I told him to trail along. Keep his eyes peeled
going to left second exit in here. Yes, you'll find mister Fillmore in
there. He understands. Well, that's more than I do. But all
chatted. Exit Markham, left second exit. Sarah stands a moment as if
to gain courage, then goes and looks off left upper exit. She makes
a slight motion. Henson appears in left upprentance. Bring the woman in here.
Henson exit Hanson. He reappears, shows in Delphine and again exits.
Delphine appears in left apprentrance. Pauses, looks about curiously with a manner denoting
some suspicion. She wears a long black veil over her hat, which she
now throws back. Sarah, having withdrawn to right center, stands watching her.
Delphine comes down, turns see Sarah starts. So it is you,
madame. Won't you sit down, Delphine? She does not sit as yet.
But why am I brought here? I do not understand. I was
not told that it was to see you. What house is this? Why
do I come here? Well? You see, I thought you must think
it kind of funny the way I left you so suddenly that day. And
I haven't been feeling very well lately, so I thought it would be real
kind of you to come and see me so I could apologize for carrying off
your keys the way I did. You see, I was so excited after
what I'd been through that I really didn't know what I was doing. I
guess you understand. Oh we satament, madame, But to come here it
is strange. However, I am here, yes, and do sit down.
Might as well be comfortable. I hear you not staying at that flat
anymore. No, it was so, as you said, gloomy, lonesome,
and a thought of poor miss Nevarre. Oh it is too much,
but I must not go away. They detain me as a witness. Oh,
it is so terrible. I must tell it all in court. I
don't wonder you dread it, but think of me and my boy. It
is too bad. I sympathize, but I must tell all, Yes,
you must tell all. Aren't there a few things you haven't told yet?
I do not understand. Does Madame intend to insinuate? No, that's a
good plain English word, insinuate, And you didn't say it a bit frenchy.
But I wasn't insinuating. I'm just asking, couldn't you tell a few
more things if you would? Madame? What is it that you mean?
Oh? I wish you wouldn't keep calling me madame. What I meant was
maybe you could help me a little as to why those two keys were different.
When you say they were for the same lock, then I mistake.
It does not matter, or we have many keys, but those two were
enough for me. They proved a pretty good fit to what I was trying
to open. One fit to the front door to your apartment, the other
the back door to the kitchen at or whatever they call it. But of
course there must be a key to that door also, of course, Or
how could you, after you came up in the elevator that day have slipped
around first to that back door, gone into the kitchen, through the dining
room, into that other room, and then Delphine, becoming alarmed, but
making a good effort to conceal her growing suspicion and fear. What do you
mean, I came in the front door directly to the room where Miss Naval
lay dead, shot the boy, your nephew, direct from the whole I
emptied after getting off the elevator, so you said, But it happens,
I didn't quite see it that way, So I found out which elevator boy
brought you up. He remembers very well. You say you got off the
elevator just as the shot was fired. You didn't. He let you off
at the fourth floor, went on up to the tenth, and it was
when he got back to the fourth floor that the gun was fired. He
heard it. You had been off the elevator for five minutes or more,
Delphine, who has sprung up, beginning to lose control of herself. It
is not true, He lies. Lies. I say, you had plenty
of time to go around to the other door, look in to see who
was there seeing you, a chance of having your revenge with somebody else to
be suspected of your deed. Fire the shot, go back, come in,
and Delphine, in a furious rage. How dare you say such things,
accuse me of such an infamous act? It is an outrage. So
that is why you have had me brought here to insult me, to accuse
me of killing my dear mistress, who was all kindness to me, whom
I loved. It is infamous. You shall pay for this. You will
see. You will see. I see that you talk United States much better
than you put on a French accent. For all, you are a very
clever actress, Miss Bateman. What what do you mean? My name is
Eliza Bateman. Of course it is your real name. Quite a well known
actress too, and a pretty good one. French maids are quite a speciality
of yours, and so your impersonation came in very handy when you went and
hired out to Miss Navarre. Even she didn't see through your neat disguise in
your assumed accent. It happens, I did, though I was sort of
looking too. That was the difference. Lies lies, I see you lie.
It is all lies, an infamous, vile plot. I will not
stay here. She is about to leave, but Sarah bars her way so
determinedly that she is compelled to stay, though fuming with rage and illy disguised
fear. You see, I haven't been losing any time. Me and that
plain country lawyer, the smart New York lawyers and great detectives have made so
much fun of We have done a little detective work on our own hooks and
found out a few things about you, Miss Bateman. I know not that
name. It is false. You mean Delphine is about that pistol too.
It was Miss Navarre's. She kept it there. You knew where it was
in that room. It was easy enough for you to get in the way
you did shoot over Dick Brewster's shoulder. Slip out and be still, Be
still, I say, I will not listen. It is false. I
did not do it. No, no, you lie, you lie.
It is that truth. You say I killed my mistress, Miss Navarre.
No, no, it was not she. I she stopped, suddenly,
confused, trying to cover her mistake. I mean I could not she who
was so good to me? How can you say Sarah going close to her,
looking straight to her face and speaking very deliberately and distinctly. A woman
seldom hits what she aims at. You didn't. What do you mean?
I there was a man in that room also, I know, yes,
but to me he was a steinger. Maybe a woman has the right to
kill the man who has wronged her, the man who has promised to marry
her and then thrown her over for another. Maybe she has a right to
put on a disguise so she can follow him and prove just how false he
is to her. I don't know. Maybe there is some excuse for a
woman doing that. There may be some for you. You didn't mean to
kill miss Navarre. I believe that, but you meant to kill him.
It was him you shot at and you killed her. No, no,
you shall not say that. It is not true. I did not know
him. I never saw him. Before the doorbell rings, Sarah goes to
left up entrance, looks Solf. After a slight pause, enter ralph daring.
He comes partway down center stops as he sees Delphine, surprised but not
recognizing her. I beg, pardon, I did not know, mister deering.
Permit me to introduce miss Eliza Bateman. Daring too much taken aback to
conceal his amazement. Eliza, you, what does this mean? So you
recognize her? Why? Yes? I do now, though she is not
the same. I never thought, of course you didn't. How could you
have blonde turned into a brunette. Deering looks dumbfounded, but recognizes Delphine,
who is unable longer to conceal her identity. She still tries desperately to brazen
it out. However, this gentleman is a stranger to me, you will
excuse. She starts to go left up her exit, but Daring steps in
her way, so she is compelled to remain. Wait. I begin to
understand a very clever disguise, my girl. It's no wonder I didn't recognize
you, so you were tracking me down seeking revenge? Eh? I see
it was you who fired that shot at me. It is not true.
It's a lie, a lie, I say, let me puss not so
fast. I guess your little game is up, miss Bateman. It didn't
work, did it? And she took my place? Delphine at first seeming
about to attempt to brazen it out, then as Daring continues looking steadily at
her, showing fright, which turns to despair and desperation, it's no use.
I see now it's true. True. I can deny it no longer.
Yes, it was you, you who made love to me, led
me on till I gave all all, and then deserted me for another.
It drove me mad. I was alone, outcast, all because of you,
and I resolved to have revenge. But it was not to kill you.
No, no, not that. But that day when I saw you
with her, heard what you said, I was mad, mad, and
in that one moment of desperation, I tried to end at all. The
pistol was there where she kept it, and he the boy, he was
there. I fired at you almost before I knew what I was doing.
I didn't know I was mad, insane, I say. But I fired
at you, I thought, but I killed her, the one who had
been kind to me, whom I loved. Oh it was terrible. Take
me away. I don't care now what becomes of me. You are not
fit to live. But I didn't mean to be a what you say,
I am No, no, She breaks down, sobbing hysterically. Markham,
who has entered second left entrance, goes to her, taking hold of her.
Not ungently, leave her to me, I'll look after her. Helen
has entered right in time to hear part of the foregoing unnoticed by the others.
Markham supports Delphine and takes her up left. He pauses as Sarah goes
up, speaking to him, what will they do with her? Do you
think? No? Not so bad? Man's laughter? Temporary insanity? Perhaps?
Oh I'm glad, perhaps she had some excuse. She turns, looks
accusingly scornfully at Dearing, who has a defiant attitude, paying no attention to
her. And as to that other, your boy, ma'am, why this
changes things? You think now? That that he that think? Well,
you and fillmore might come down to headquarters soon. As again it'll be all
right for the boy now He goes out left up her exit with Delphine,
who is still sobbing and moaning, though more quietly than before. Deering follows
them. After one look at Helen, whom he has discovered standing upright.
She freezes him with a contemptuous glance. He shrugs his shoulders and exits left
up brexit. Sarah stands left center, looking after them, her hands clasped,
almost weeping, but with a rapt joyful expression. After a slight pause,
she turns sees Helen, who is still standing right, pale and motionless,
staring straight ahead as if dazed, Sarah going to Helen, taking hold
of her gently. Helen, you have heard, you understand. He is
the man who who, yes, Helen, the one who was there that
night, the man who, for revenge on you, told the police that
it was Dick. Oh, Helen, did you need this to show you
what he is? No? But this ends it. It was ended before,
dear, Only you wouldn't believe it, aren't you? Glad? Thankful?
It means that Dick will be free, that you yes, and you
have saved him, saved me. Oh, Aunt, Sarah, can you
ever forgive us? Forgive me? There there, my dear, there's nothing
to forgive, not a thing. Helen is weeping. Sarah, with an
arm about her, leads her upright, but pauses as leonardent as left second
entrance. He pauses left. Sarah sees him, leaves Helen and goes to
him, holding out both hands, which he takes. Oh, lenn isn't
it wonderful? Wonderful? Yes, it is all wonderful, and you are
the most wonderful of all. I declare you're a regular Miss Sherlock Holmes.
Helen, at Lennard's entrance, gives him one glance, her face showing deep
emotion, indicating that she dare not trust herself to speak to him. She
exits right, pshaw, I haven't done anything at any rate. If I
have, I've had pretty good help. And now I'm going to him,
and you are going with me? Yes, but looking right longingly Sarah looking
round. Oh, I see she's run away. Wait, going right,
and don't forget what I told you Lynne about Oh, I don't think that
will be necessary now that cave stuff. I have something better than that.
Look what Erin gave me. Takes a red apple from his pocket, holds
it up. I don't think she'll be able to resist that, do you?
No? Not? When you go with it? Exits Sarah right,
looking back at him with an encouraging smile. He goes over to left Center
stands there waiting, looking eagerly towards right, the hand in which is the
apple behind him. After a slight pause enters Sarah Wright, leading Helen,
who comes timidly looking down. Sarah urges her on to center. Helen,
she looks up at him, then her glance again falls, and she turns
as if to go, but Sarah holds her, pushing her gently towards Leonard.
Helen yields slowly. Leonard advances a step, holds out the apple,
smiling with an adoring look at her look from the old orchard, our Eden.
Will you share it with me? She falters, looking down, then
up again, meeting his gaze with a tender smile, yields. He takes
her in his arms, puts apple to her lips, kisses it where her
lips were, then kisses her Sarah. Her face radiant has gone upright,
and exits quietly just as the curtain falls. Curtain end of Act four.
End of Alias Miss Sherlock by Arthur Lewis Tubbs