Bea. Then you accuse your friend and protégée.
Sir P. Science has no friendships. Someone is poisoning your husband. I suspect Miss Derwent. (Kate appears momentarily R.C.) Accept my theory or reject it—(raises his voice, to make sure Kate can hear him) Watch that glass! If anybody touches it——
Bea. Who can, but me! When you have gone, and I have locked the door, no one can get into this room to-night. Where is this poison coming from?
Sir P. Wherever it comes from, I know where it goes; into that glass. Therefore, please, watch the glass! If anybody tampers with it, ring this bell. (indicates bell pull, going towards it up R.)
Bea. (rises) What, the alarm-bell? (goes to C.)
Sir P. It will rouse the house. A miscreant will be brought to justice, and your husband’s life will be saved. (comes down R.C.)
Bea. If no one touches it?
Sir P. He is safe for to-night, at any rate. Madam, I have the honour to wish you a very good evening. (exit, R.I.D.)
Music in orchestra.
Bea. (locks door after him, and breaks into a low, hollow laugh) Thank you, Sir Peter! thank you very much! (goes to C.) The case you have begun, I will complete. Now, I can not only save myself, but triumph! If I convict Miss Derwent of this crime, the will must be abandoned. (gets R. of table, Kate appears R.C., watching her) It is worth some risk! I can but fail: and if I do—(produces phial, and pours the contents into the medicine, laughing) I’ll make this strong enough. There! Now to bring Miss Derwent. I will say Philip’s dying, and has asked to see her. Then I will rouse the house, and she shall be found here—alone with this! (goes to R.C.) Sir Peter will corroborate me, Philip will be convinced, and my Lord Normantower—ha, ha!—can marry her! Thank you, Sir Peter, thank you! (unlocks door, and exit, R.I.D.)