rising_). I'll see to that. I want something strong.

MASON. Take handkerchiefs, they are strong enough. (_Takes handkerchief._)

CROSBY. They'll do very well. (_Takes out his own._) I want three more.

WILLIAM. Here's mine. (_Hands his handkerchief to his father._ MASON
_and_ TRENT _give_ CROSBY _theirs._)

CROSBY. Now, Madame la Grange, if you don't mind. (_He ties her hands to
the arm of the chair._) I don't see why you did that just now.

ROSALIE. I told you I wanted to be sure.

CROSBY. Why?

ROSALIE. Because I think something is going to 'appen. I think there
will be manifestations. I wanted you to know I was not faking.

MISS EASTWOOD. Why should we think that you were?

ROSALIE. Why, you 'ave thought nothing else ever since I did come into
the room.

CROSBY. Mason, see if she can get free from that now.

(MASON _comes over, inspects the knot._ CROSBY _tying the other hand._)

MASON. That seems pretty secure--someone else look at it.

(WILLIAM _and_ TRENT _rise and go to_ ROSALIE'S _chair._)

CROSBY. I'm going to fasten your ankles now, Madame la Grange.

ROSALIE. Yes, that is right.

(CROSBY _ties_ ROSALIE'S _ankles to leg of chair. The other two men look
on._)

WALES. I don't believe all this is necessary.

ROSALIE. Why not, if they do want it.

CROSBY. Now I'm sure she can't get away.

(MASON _inspects knot._)

MASON. So am I.

(_The men resume their places._)

ROSALIE. Well, now, if you will all sit down, please-- (_Pause._)
You will have to reach over and take my hands this time--are you all
satisfied now? Is there anything more you want me to do? (_There is no
answer._) Then if you will all sit quiet, just keep your minds perfectly
free, that is all you 'ave to do. Now, sir, please to turn out the light.

(WILLIAM _turns out the light._)

(_There is a long pause._ ROSALIE _moans and whispers as if in pain._)

HELEN. I can't stand this, I--

WALES. Please keep still--she asked us to keep still.

(ROSALIE _moans again; after a short pause, she gives a choking sob;
another pause. Finally she speaks with frequent pauses, using the
voice of a little child._)

ROSALIE. Laughing Eyes is sad, very sad. I a ma long way off--a long
way. (_Pause._) Bad people, bad people, un'appy--he is un'appy--
(_Pause._) (_Knife is set down in sight of audience, sticking in the
ceiling._) Spencer wants to tell Ned-- (_She moans heavily._) It
hurts--terrible--like a knife--it burns--burns, in the