The Thirteenth Chair: A Play in Three Acts

by Bayard Veiller

ROSALIE. Now, will you please all join your 'ands, and then sit very, very quiet. Do not try to think of anything.

TRENT. By Jove, that'll be easy for me.

(The others laugh.)

WALES. We can't get any results if you treat this as a joke.

(All laugh.)

STANDISH. Oh, let's be serious.

MISS ERSKINE. Why, Howard?

STANDISH. Well, there might be something in it. Anyhow, it's only fair to do what Madame la Grange wants. I suppose you'd like the lights out? I've always understood that was necessary.

ROSALIE. We shall 'ave better results in that way.

CROSBY. Right! (He rises, goes to door L., and switches off light. This leaves only the two table lamps R. and L. of the chesterfield C. still lit. All other lights on scene out. Crosses back to his chair—turns out table lamp L. of chesterfield.) Billy, you turn out that light as soon as we are ready.