Volume V Part 55 (1/2)

MARGARET gives a sort of choking sob, then, seeing the smelling bottle, she s.n.a.t.c.hes it up, and turns to revive MABEL.

COLFORD. Leave her! The longer she's unconscious, the better.

INSPECTOR. [Re-entering] This is a very serious business, sir.

COLFORD. [Sternly] Yes, Inspector; you've done for my best friend.

INSPECTOR. I, sir? He shot himself.

COLFORD. Hara-kiri.

INSPECTOR. Beg pardon?

COLFORD. [He points with the letter to MABEL] For her sake, and his own.

INSPECTOR. [Putting out his hand] I'll want that, sir.

COLFORD. [Grimly] You shall have it read at the inquest. Till then-- it's addressed to me, and I stick to it.

INSPECTOR. Very well, sir. Do you want to have a look at him?

COLFORD pa.s.ses quickly into the bedroom, followed by the INSPECTOR.

MARGARET remains kneeling beside MABEL.

COLFORD comes quickly back. MARGARET looks up at him. He stands very still.

COLFORD. Neatly--through the heart.

MARGARET [wildly] Keeps faith! We've all done that. It's not enough.

COLFORD. [Looking down at MABEL] All right, old boy!

The CURTAIN falls.

WINDOWS

From the 5th Series of Plays

By John Galsworthy

PERSONS OF THE PLAY

GEOFFREY MARCH....... Freelance in Literature JOAN MARCH........... His Wife MARY MARCH........... Their Daughter JOHNNY MARCH......... Their Son COOK................. Their Cook MR BLY............... Their Window Cleaner FAITH BLY............ His Daughter BLUNTER.............. A Strange Young Man MR BARNADAS.......... In Plain Clothes