John Galsworthy - The Silver Box

BARTHWICK. [Portentously.] This young – er – lady says that last night – I think you said last night madam – you took away —

UNKNOWN. [Impulsively.] My reticule, and all my money was in a crimson silk purse.

JACK. Reticule. [Looking round for any chance to get away.] I don't know anything about it.

BARTHWICK. [Sharply.] Come, do you deny seeing this young lady last night?

JACK. Deny? No, of course. [Whispering.] Why did you give me away like this? What on earth did you come here for?

UNKNOWN. [Tearfully.] I'm sure I didn't want to – it's not likely, is it? You snatched it out of my hand – you know you did – and the purse had all my money in it. I did n't follow you last night because I did n't want to make a fuss and it was so late, and you were so —

BARTHWICK. Come, sir, don't turn your back on me – explain!

JACK. [Desperately.] I don't remember anything about it. [In a low voice to his friend.] Why on earth could n't you have written?

UNKNOWN. [Sullenly.] I want it now; I must have, it – I 've got to pay my rent to-day. [She looks at BARTHWICK.] They're only too glad to jump on people who are not – not well off.

JACK. I don't remember anything about it, really. I don't remember anything about last night at all. [He puts his hand up to his head.] It's all – cloudy, and I 've got such a beastly headache.

UNKNOWN. But you took it; you know you did. You said you'd score me off.

JACK. Well, then, it must be here. I remember now – I remember something. Why did I take the beastly thing?

BARTHWICK. Yes, why did you take the beastly – [He turns abruptly to the window.]

UNKNOWN. [With her mesmeric smile.] You were n't quite were you?

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