The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

by Bayard Veiller

MASON. Yes, I suppose that was it.

ROSALIE. In the dark you would not 'ave noticed my thumbs.

(All laugh. Miss ERSKINE is seated at the back of the table over R.)

But it can be done, it can be done. I do not say that I can do it in the light, but if you want I will try.

ALL. Oh, yes, yes, of course, please do—yes, yes!

MASON. You mean without any trickery?

ROSALIE (getting back of console table. Turning table around—narrow side to audience). I mean like this.

(She places the tips of the fingers of both hands on the C. of the table and stands rigid for a few moments. No one speaks. All watch her with breathless interest. Slowly the table tips a little to one side, and then tips in the opposite direction. Then it slowly rises about a foot from the floor, and then drops suddenly and falls over. There is a long pause.)

MASON (R. of small table). Good Lord!

WALES (L.C., quietly). What did I tell you?