iven some indication by the play of your features that it
was _you_ who originated this libel against me, and that you are my
deadly enemy? The merest twitch of the ears would have been enough.

_HOLMAN CLARK_. I wanted it to be a surprise for the audience.

_Sir GEORGES_. Yes, but is that art?

_HOLMAN CLARK_. Besides, in real life--

_Sir GEORGES (amazed_). Real life? Good Heavens, HOLMAN, is this
_your_ first appearance in England too?

_HOLMAN CLARK (annoyed_). Let's get on with the play.

_Sir GEORGES_. Certainly. Wait a moment till I've got my
"strong-man-with-his-back-to-the-wall" expression. (_Arranging his
face_.) How's that?

_HOLMAN CLARK_. Begin again.... That's better.

_Merital (sternly_). Now then, Frepeau! I must ask you to give
instructions that the libel is withdrawn in court this afternoon. If
not--

_Frepeau_. Well?

_Merital (softly_). I know somebody else who stole something from the
stamp drawer thirty years ago. (Frepeau's _whiskers tremble_.) Aha, I
thought I'd move you this time.

_Frepeau_. It's a lie! How did you find out?

_Merital (blandly_). I said to myself, "I am the hero of this play and
I've got to get out of this mess somehow. If I could only find some
papers incriminating the villain--that's you all would be well." So
I--er--found them.... It's no good, Frepeau. Unless you let me off,
you're done.

_Frepeau (getting up_). Well, I suppose I must. But personally I'd be
ashamed to escape through such a rotten coincidence as that. (_Making
for the door_.) I'll just go and arrange it. Er, I suppose this is the
end?

_Sir GEORGES_. The end? Good Heavens, man, I've got my big scene to
come. I have to explain _why_ Merital stole the money thirty years
ago!

_HOLMAN CLARK (eagerly_). Let me guess. His wife was starv--

_SIR GEORGES_. No, no, don't spoil it. (_Sternly_) It's a very serious
thing, HOLMAN, to spoil an actor-manager's big scene.

CURTAIN.

ACT III.

_Daniel Merital_. Father has won his case. I _am_ glad. Oh, are you
there, Father? I'm just going downstairs to count the telegrams.
[_Exit.

Enter_ Renee.

_Renee_. You have won the case? I knew it. I knew you were innocent.

_Merital (nobly_). Renee, I am not innocent. I did steal that
ninepence. I would have confessed it before, but I had to think of my
family. (_Cheers from the gallery_.) Of course it would also have been
unpleasant for