The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

by Bayard Veiller

ROSALIE. Thank you, madame. (She sees WALES L.C., and goes to him.) Good evening, Mister Wales. It was kind of you to send the motor-car for me.

WALES. We wanted you to be comfortable.

ROSALIE. And I was. (She laughs and turns to MRS. CROSBY R.C.) Do you know, madame, when the gentleman in uniform come for me, I thought at first it was a policeman.

MRS. CROSBY. I hope you weren't frightened.

(The positions now are: ROSALIE C., CROSBY R. end of chesterfield C. MRS. TRENT and STANDISH have moved down L. TRENT comes to L. of arm-chair. Miss ERSKINE seated on chesterfield up C. MRS. CROSBY at table R. WALES L.C. and MASON L.C.)

ROSALIE. Oh, no, madame. I should like to see the policeman that could frighten me. They are nice boys, the policemen.

MISS EASTWOOD (on the R. side of ROSALIE). Mr. Wales tells us you are wonderful.

ROSALIE. All women are.

MISS EASTWOOD (with a meaning glance at the others). So you tell fortunes?

ROSALIE. No, mademoiselle, I do not. I get messages from those of us that 'ave passed on. I do not 'old at all with the cards nor tea-leaves nor any of those tricks.