Sir P. (rises) I’ll see him at once. (Price is going. Sir Peter goes to him) Stop—give this key to your mistress, with my compliments. (gives Price the key) You’ll find her in her room. (crosses and exit R.I.D.)
Price crosses and knocks at door L. and withdraws to L.C. up stage. Re-enter Beatrice, L. after a pause, she has medicine bottle and wine-glass in her hand.
Bea. What is it?
Pri. Sir Peter told me to give you this, madam, with his compliments. (gives key and goes R. towards upper door)
Bea. (aside) The key! (goes down L. Aloud) Price! I am going to bed. I shall not want Johnson. Put all the lights out, lock the outer door of the conservatory, and make up the house.
Pri. Yes, madam, but Sir Peter——
Bea. Do as I tell you.
Music in orchestra. Beatrice has put medicine and glass on table, and stands in front of table, deep in thought. Price puts out lamp on piano, then the one in conservatory, lower lights, then disappears R.U.E. A lock is heard to turn. Re-enter Price, R.C., he goes to R.U.D.
Pri. Good-night, madam.
Bea. Good-night. (exit Price. Beatrice crosses and locks R.U.D. Up R.C., looking at key) Then, he does not suspect me! When I found Philip’s door locked, I was half afraid. Why am I such a coward?—Is he with Philip? (exit L., music swells. Re-enter L.) No! Philip is fast asleep. Can he be watching? (goes down to R.I.D.) No! (opens door R., looks out, then shuts and locks it) Good night, Sir Peter! pleasant dreams to you! (stands looking at the key) He suspects nothing. (goes to L.C., R. of table. Produces medicine bottle and glass and pours out a dose) It is a great temptation! (produces phial from bosom) Strange! how this fascinates me! With my life at stake, I scarcely can resist it. It possesses me! But, I suppose, I dare not. (music dies away, knock at door R.) Who can that be? (second knock, aloud) Who’s there?