DONOHUE (picking up cup and holding it out toward them). Here is the cup—
(CROSBY crosses down R. to below table—moves chair over R.)
which we took from Spencer Lee's rooms. These are the finger-prints of the woman who used it. (Ignoring CROSBY for the moment.) Here is the saucer that she used. More finger-prints. A few minutes ago I sent this young woman a note. The man who gave it to her wore gloves, so did I when I addressed the envelope. Hers are the only naked hands that have touched it. (He picks up the envelope gingerly by one corner, and holds it outward to them.) They are unquestionably Helen O'Neill's finger-prints. (HELEN is in WILLIAM'S arms. DONOHUE puts down the envelope. Then he picks up the cup and points to the finger-marks on it.) And so, Mr. Crosby, are these. There can be no doubt about it. There is never any doubt about this method of identification. In twenty years there has never been one mistake. We now have what we've been hunting for: the woman who went to Spencer Lee's rooms.
(DONOHUE steps back with a little gesture of triumph. CROSBY stands staring at the girl. ROSALIE comes to R. of HELEN, turns to her.)
ROSALIE (C.). Look at me, my darling. Look at your mother. (She takes HELEN'S face in her hands and looks at her closely. Then with a little cry of contentment stands R. of HELEN. ROSALIE and HELEN back up to chesterfield.) Now, darling, you must not be frightened. Look up, child. Why do not you say something?
HELEN. I can't.
(Sits on chesterfield. DONOHUE gives a short laugh.)
DONOHUE. What can she say?
WILLIAM (going to her). Dear, tell him it's a lie.
CROSBY. Wait. Let me talk to her. (CROSBY comes over to HELEN and sits beside her on the chesterfield, R. side. WILLIAM is at L. end.) My dear, you understand that none of us believe—what the Inspector wants us to believe. We know that you have never done anything—that you are no more guilty of this atrocious crime than I am. We all want to help you. We believe in you and trust you and love you. You understand that, don't you?