REPERTORY PLAYS, No. 44

THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND

THE GRAND CHAM’S
DIAMOND

A PLAY IN ONE ACT

BY

ALLAN MONKHOUSE

GOWANS & GRAY, LTD., LONDON AND GLASGOW
THE BAKER INTERNATIONAL PLAY BUREAU
BOSTON, U.S.A.  1924

CHARACTERS

This play was first produced at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on September 21, 1918, by Mr John Drinkwater, with the following cast:

[Pg 7]

THE GRAND CHAM’S DIAMOND

SCENE: A sitting-room in a small house in a London suburb. The window is in the wall to the left of the spectator and the door in the right half of the back wall. The furniture is ordinary. On the chimneypiece, to the right of the spectator, is a clock. The room is lit by electric light. It is some time after the evening meal. Mr Perkins is reading a newspaper. Mrs Perkins is darning a sock, and Miss Perkins is engaged upon a jigsaw puzzle.

MRS PERKINS

What I mean t’ say is that it’s not much fun for us.

MR PERKINS

All right, Ma.

MISS PERKINS

(Engaged on her puzzle.) Bother!

MRS PERKINS

It makes a long evenin’ of it. Same every night. We ’ave our tea and then we just set down till it’s time to go to bed. It’s not fair.

MR PERKINS

Same for all of us.

[Pg 8]

MRS PERKINS

That it’s not.

MR PERKINS

Why isn’t it?

MRS PERKINS

Do y’ or do y’ not go out o’ this ’ouse every mornin’ and spend the day out?

MR PERKINS

It’d be a poor job for you if I didn’t.

MRS PERKINS

I don’t say anythin’ about that. I don’t interfere.

MR PERKINS

’Ow could y’ interfere?

MISS PERKINS

Bother!

MRS PERKINS

Don’t interrup’ like that when me and your pa’s talkin’, Polly.

MISS PERKINS

My name isn’t Polly.

MR PERKINS

What is it?

MISS PERKINS

It’s Marie.

[Pg 9]

MR PERKINS

Well, I’m blowed!

MRS PERKINS

An’ why shouldn’t she ’ave a bit of a change? She’s tired of bein’ Polly.

MISS PERKINS

I do think we might have a little more change.

MR PERKINS

Don’t you start.

MISS PERKINS

We might have gone out to the pictures to-night, as Mother said.

MR PERKINS

Your young man might ’ave come and found you out.

MISS PERKINS

You know he’s engaged in the evenings.

MR PERKINS

Yes, and what at?

MISS PERKINS

Never mind!

MRS PERKINS

I do think, Polly, that he ought to be a bit more open with you. What does he do?

[Pg 10]

MR PERKINS

Ay; what does Albert Watkins do?

MISS PERKINS

Never you mind!

MRS PERKINS

’E’s never told ’er.

MR PERKINS

I ’ope it’s nothin’ to be ashamed of.

MISS PERKINS

P’raps I know more than you think.

MRS PERKINS

’As ’e said?

MISS PERKINS

It’s confidential.

MR PERKINS

Oh! I know that tale.

MRS PERKINS

Well, Polly’s got ’er young man and you’ve got your business an’ out all day seein’ people. What ’ave I got?

MR PERKINS

Well, what should y’ ’ave? What does any woman ’ave? I dunno what you’re botherin’ about. Y’ ’ad a week at Margate this year.

[Pg 11]

MRS PERKINS

(Derisively.) ’Ome from ’ome!

MR PERKINS

A good woman ought to like ’er ’ome.

MRS PERKINS

I never said I didn’t like it.

MR PERKINS

Well——

MRS PERKINS

’Ome’s a place to come back to.

MISS PERKINS

Mother’s romantic. That’s what she is.

MRS PERKINS

What is that, Polly? It’s a word I never rightly——

MR PERKINS

Romantic! At ’er age!

MRS PERKINS

You know what it is, do y’?

MR PERKINS

It’s penny dreadfuls and the pictures and gassin’ about love and the deep blue sea.

MRS PERKINS

Well, y’ might do worse.

[Pg 12]

MR PERKINS

Whatever’s come over ’er?

MRS PERKINS

I’ve always thought I should like to travel.

MISS PERKINS

(At her puzzle.) I think there’s a bit missing.

MRS PERKINS

Eh? A bit missin’? That’s the way with me; there’s always bin a bit missin’.

MR PERKINS

I dunno why y’re startin’ like this now. Y’ve ’ad all these years to settle down in. What’s come over yer?

MRS PERKINS

Eh! Don’t ask me. I think ’er Albert’s comin’ about ’as unsettled me.

MISS PERKINS

Albert!

MRS PERKINS

Well, I see ’im an’ you and I think what might ’a’ been.

MR PERKINS

What’s that?

MRS PERKINS

Well, I was young onct.

[Pg 13]

MR PERKINS

But y’re not now.

MRS PERKINS

You’ve no call to throw it in m’ teeth.

MR PERKINS

Teeth indeed!

MRS PERKINS

Don’t be insultin’, Mr Perkins.

MR PERKINS

I wasn’t bein’.

MRS PERKINS

Yes, y’ was.

MISS PERKINS

I don’t see why Albert should unsettle you.

MRS PERKINS

If I was you I’d want to know ’ow ’e spends ’is evenings.

MISS PERKINS

It’s no business of yours, Ma.

MR PERKINS

It’ll be some bus’ness of mine. I think it’s about time Albert spoke to me.

MISS PERKINS

Spoke to you?

[Pg 14]

MR PERKINS

Placed ’is position an’ prospects before me.

MISS PERKINS

Well, I believe he’s a confidential agent.

MRS PERKINS

A what!

MR PERKINS

What sort of a’ agent?

MISS PERKINS

It’s confidential—or financial p’raps.

MR PERKINS

He’s kiddin’ yer.

MRS PERKINS

Do they work at night?

MISS PERKINS

I’ve always understood that Rothschilds and people like that did this business at parties—on the quiet.

MR PERKINS

Bosh!

MISS PERKINS

Oh, very well, Pa.

[Miss Perkins settles to her puzzle. Mrs Perkins darns stolidly. Mr Perkins returns to the paper. A short pause.

[Pg 15]

MRS PERKINS

Well, it’s too late for the movies now.

MISS PERKINS

Ah! That’s it.

[She finds the missing bit.

MRS PERKINS

What’s in the paper, Pa?

MR PERKINS

There’s a Cabinet crisis.

MRS PERKINS

Isn’t there anythin’ interestin’?

MR PERKINS

’Ere’s a child stole a shillin’ an’ swallowed it t’ escape detection.

MRS PERKINS

Poor thing!

MR PERKINS

’Ere! Is this more in your line? Great Jewel Robbery! The Grand Cham’s Diamond missing.

MRS PERKINS

Eh! What’s that?

MISS PERKINS

Who is the Grand Cham?

MR PERKINS

’E’s—one o’ them Eastern potentates. ’E’s been stayin’ at the Majestic Hotel. The dimond[Pg 16] was taken out of the settin’ and a walnut substituted.

MRS PERKINS

A walnut! It must be a whopper.

MISS PERKINS

Why did they substitute a walnut?

MR PERKINS

You must substitute somethin’.

MISS PERKINS

Why?

MR PERKINS

I don’t know. They always do. The brightest treasure of the East. Not the slightest trace. Supposed Asiatic gang. Sherlock Holmes and Father Brown have been summoned and a telegram despatched to Mossier Lecock.

MRS PERKINS

(With satisfaction.) Well, that’s somethin’ like.

MISS PERKINS

What’s it worth?

MR PERKINS

Eh! I dunno. Thousands, thousands. They say it makes the Koh-i-noor take a back seat.

MRS PERKINS

Reelly?

[Pg 17]

MR PERKINS

What ’ud you do, old lady, if I brought it ’ome for y’r birthday?

MRS PERKINS

Well, I’d wear it, I s’pose.

MISS PERKINS

You’d never dare, Ma.

MRS PERKINS

I would that.

MISS PERKINS

But thieves’d always be after it.

MRS PERKINS

What ’d these thieves do with it when they’ve got it?

MR PERKINS

I s’pose they chop it up and sell it in bits.

MRS PERKINS

What a shame!

MR PERKINS

I dessay they’re off to South America.

MRS PERKINS

Why?

MR PERKINS

No extrydition.

[Pg 18]

MRS PERKINS

What’s that? D’ y’ mean last ’dition extra?

MISS PERKINS

No, Ma. It means that thieves can’t be turned out.

MRS PERKINS

Why not?

MR PERKINS

It’s like it used to be with slaves here. Once the South American flag’s waved over ’em, they’re all right.

MISS PERKINS

It isn’t all one country there, Pa.

MR PERKINS

Well, I reckon they’re much of a muchness.

MRS PERKINS

An’ could you sell it there?

MR PERKINS

Yes, they’re great people for jewl’ry.

MRS PERKINS

Polly, you’re doin’ nothin’. Y’ might as well be mendin’ that blind.

MISS PERKINS

Oh, bother!

MRS PERKINS

It looks bad hangin’ down like that.

[Pg 19]

MISS PERKINS

(Going towards the window.) People’ll see in.

MRS PERKINS

There’s not many passin’ at this time o’ night.

MISS PERKINS

It makes it so public. (She takes the blind from the lower part of the window and begins to mend it.) Where’s the white thread, Ma?

MRS PERKINS

Here y’ are. Now, make a job of it.

[Mr Perkins has returned to his paper, his daughter is more or less intent on her work, Mrs Perkins darns and yawns. Mr Perkins snores gently.

MRS PERKINS

Might as well all be asleep.

MISS PERKINS

Listen, Ma!

MRS PERKINS

Somebody runnin’. Seem in an ’urry.

[Something crashes through the window and falls with broken glass upon the floor.

MISS PERKINS

Good gracious!

MRS PERKINS

Mercy on us!

[Pg 20]

MR PERKINS

(Waking up.) Fire! Where is it?

MRS PERKINS

Nonsense, Pa! It’s them boys. Out arter ’em.

MR PERKINS

What! Where?

MISS PERKINS

No. Don’t go. Don’t leave us. It can’t be boys.

MR PERKINS

(Seeing the broken window.) This is very careless, Polly.

MISS PERKINS

It wasn’t me. It’s a stone, I think.

MRS PERKINS

They’re far enough now. Where is it?

MISS PERKINS

I’m all of a tremble.

MRS PERKINS

You ought to ’ave run right out, Pa, and you might ’ave caught ’em. I never did see such a thing.

MR PERKINS

It’s an outrage, this is. Did y’ see anybody?

MRS PERKINS

We ’eard somebody runnin’.

[Pg 21]

MISS PERKINS

I thought I ’eard somebody passing after that. Quietly like. Runnin’ very light.

MR PERKINS

Nonsense, Polly. Better put that blind up now.

MISS PERKINS

You put it up.

MR PERKINS

Do as I tell you.

MISS PERKINS

I don’t like.

MRS PERKINS

’Ere, ’ere. Give it me.

[She puts it up and peers out into the street.

MISS PERKINS

Come away, Ma.

MR PERKINS

Where’s the stone?

[They all look about the floor.

MISS PERKINS

Here it is. Here’s something. (She picks it up.) Why! it’s a lump of glass.

MR PERKINS

Let’s look!

MRS PERKINS

Let me see.

[They crowd round.

[Pg 22]

MR PERKINS

I say!

MISS PERKINS

What is it? What is it?

MRS PERKINS

Give it me, Polly.

[She grabs it.

MR PERKINS

Hold it up to the light.

MISS PERKINS

Why! What can it be?

MRS PERKINS

(Relinquishing it to her husband.) Nonsense! Nonsense!

[She goes back to her chair and begins to fumble with her darning. She is greatly agitated.

MR PERKINS

It’s a rum thing, this is.

MISS PERKINS

Eh! Isn’t it beautiful?

MR PERKINS

It might be a——

MISS PERKINS

Diamond?

MR PERKINS

Nonsense!

[Pg 23]

MRS PERKINS

(Rushing forward.) Hide it!

[She seizes the diamond and looks about the room.

MISS PERKINS

Why! What d’ y’ mean, Ma!

MRS PERKINS

It’s it.

MR PERKINS

(Feebly.) What’s it?

MRS PERKINS

You know.

MR PERKINS

What—what—what rubbish! The idea!

MRS PERKINS

(Looking at it in her palm.) It’s the Grand Cham’s dimond.

MR PERKINS

Then it’s dangerous.

MRS PERKINS

Never mind that.

MISS PERKINS

What shall we do?

[She begins to whimper.

MRS PERKINS

Stop that, Polly.

[Pg 24]

MR PERKINS

P’raps we’d better look out for a policeman.

MRS PERKINS

No.

MR PERKINS

If it is it we’re not safe.

MRS PERKINS

I don’t care.

MR PERKINS

But what d’ y’ want to do?

MRS PERKINS

Here! Let’s put it inside the clock. (She opens the back of the clock and crams it in.) Now!

MR PERKINS

What are y’ up to, Ma?

MISS PERKINS

I wish you’d throw it out in the street again.

MRS PERKINS

No, no.

MR PERKINS

But what are y’ up to?

MRS PERKINS

It’s come to us, this ’as. We’ll stick to it if we can.

[Pg 25]

MR PERKINS

But——

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma!

MRS PERKINS

They may not find the ’ouse again. They’re all alike in this street.

MR PERKINS

There’s the broken window.

MRS PERKINS

Let’s ’ave the bits of glass out. Then it won’t be noticed.

[She peers out into the street. Then she begins to pluck the fragments of broken glass from the window. She winces and licks her finger.

MR PERKINS

You’ve cut yourself now.

MRS PERKINS

Never mind that. Polly, pick all the bits off the floor. Don’t leave a trace.

[She licks her finger. Polly obeys.

MR PERKINS

Now, what’s all this about?

MISS PERKINS

(On the floor.) I dunno what’s come over ’er.

[Pg 26]

MRS PERKINS

’Ere, Polly, look alive. ’Ave y’ got ’em all?

MISS PERKINS

All I can find.

MRS PERKINS

Drat it! A bit’s fallen outside. Go out and pick it up, Pa. No; p’raps better not.

MR PERKINS

Look here! What’s y’r game?

MRS PERKINS

Give here! (She takes all the fragments together and puts them under the sofa cushion. She looks round the room, listens at the window and returns to her darning.) If anyone comes, mind we know nothin’ about it.

MR PERKINS

It depends ’oo comes, doesn’t it?

MRS PERKINS

No.

MR PERKINS

It might be the police.

MRS PERKINS

Never mind the police.

MR PERKINS

Why! What d’ y’ mean? What do y’ mean?

[Pg 27]

MRS PERKINS

It’s the chanct of a lifetime. We’ll take it.

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma!

MR PERKINS

Look ’ere——

MRS PERKINS

It’s come to us. It might a’ bin the answer to a prayer.

MR PERKINS

Was it?

MRS PERKINS

Not exactly, but I’ve been thinkin’ a lot.

MR PERKINS

More likely the devil.

MRS PERKINS

There’s no such thing. Y’re talkin’ nonsense.

MR PERKINS

No devil. Then is there God?

MRS PERKINS

There may be. ’E may ’av sent it.

MR PERKINS

It’s awful talk, this.

MISS PERKINS

Why! What could you do with it?

[Pg 28]

MRS PERKINS

Chop it up and sell it.

MR PERKINS

Where?

MRS PERKINS

In South America.

MR PERKINS

Good ’eavens!

MISS PERKINS

Ma, how can you?

MR PERKINS

’Ave y’ took leave of y’r senses?

MRS PERKINS

Yes, if y’ like.

MR PERKINS

Well, I’ve ’eard tell as women aren’t honest like men and now I know it.

MRS PERKINS

’Ow do I know you’re honest?

MR PERKINS

I’ve never took a thing in my life. I’ve a record, ’aven’t I?

MRS PERKINS

I dessay. I dunno. I won’t give it up. I won’t. I won’t. So there!

[Pg 29]

MR PERKINS

’Ow can y’ ’elp it?

MRS PERKINS

I’ve sat there darnin’ and mendin’, waitin’ and dozin’ till I’m tired. I’ve never ’ad a go at anythin’. The chanct ’as come.

MISS PERKINS

I did think you were honest, Ma.

MRS PERKINS

Honest! It’s ours.

MR PERKINS

’Ow can it be?

MRS PERKINS

’Oo’s is it?

MR PERKINS

Why! That Grand Cham’s.

MRS PERKINS

An’ ’ow did ’e get it? ’E’s a tyrant. ’E stole it off some nigger. Now it’s come to me. It’s mine. It’s mine as much as anyone’s. It’s come like a miracle.

MISS PERKINS

But you can’t keep it.

MR PERKINS

Y’r ma amazes me.

[Pg 30]

MRS PERKINS

First thing in the mornin’ y’ll get a list o’ them ships sailin’ for South America.

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma! Ma!

MR PERKINS

She’s off ’er chump.

MRS PERKINS

I’ll go alone if y’ like.

MR PERKINS

It’s dangerous. It’s dangerous. There may be a revolver levelled at y’ now.

MRS PERKINS

I don’t care.

MR PERKINS

I never knew she was like this.

MISS PERKINS

South America? Where?

MRS PERKINS

Y’ shall ’ave jewels and dresses no end, Polly.

MISS PERKINS

Don’t, Ma.

MR PERKINS

South America! Like that chap Jabez Balfour.

[Pg 31]

MISS PERKINS

He was brought back, wasn’t he?

MR PERKINS

I object to be put along of ’im, any’ow.

MRS PERKINS

We’d manage better than that. Riches! Livin’ at ease. Motors an’ champagne. We’ve never ’ad a chanct!

MR PERKINS

It can’t be done. It’s all nonsense. An’ it’s ’orrible to think of.

MRS PERKINS

Oh! It’s a beautiful thing. I couldn’t bear to break it up. We’ll keep it. We’ll look at it now and then. Every Sunday.

MR PERKINS

Sunday!

MRS PERKINS

I could go on settin’ ’ere if I knew it was there all the time. I think I could be ’appy.

MISS PERKINS

You’d never be safe.

MRS PERKINS

Safe! I’ve bin too safe.

MR PERKINS

Oh, missis! Oh, missis!

[Pg 32]

MISS PERKINS

It’s strange nobody’s come.

MRS PERKINS

Nobody’s comin’. It’s a gift.

MR PERKINS

It may not be—what y’ think.

MRS PERKINS

(Fiercely.) It is.

MR PERKINS

Then they’ll be after us. Police—or worse.

MRS PERKINS

Let ’em come.

[There is a ring at the door-bell. They all stand tense.

MR PERKINS

Now, there.

MISS PERKINS

Oh, dear!

MRS PERKINS

You’ll not say a word. You’ll do as I tell you. Mind that. We know nothing.

MISS PERKINS

There’s the window.

MRS PERKINS

Leave that to me.

[Pg 33]

MR PERKINS

Oh! But, I say——

MRS PERKINS

Thomas Perkins, you’ll rue it to your dyin’ day if——

[The ring again.

MR PERKINS

Who’s goin’?

MRS PERKINS

I am. Remember!

[She goes out.

MISS PERKINS

What are we to do, Pa?

MR PERKINS

Eh! I’m beat.

MISS PERKINS

Shall we throw it out of the window?

MR PERKINS

No, no. Best not. Humour her a bit. It may be nothin’.

MRS PERKINS

(Outside.) No, you don’t. ’Ere. I tell yer——

STRANGER

Excuse me.

MRS PERKINS

Pa, ’ere’s a man forcin’ ’is way——

[Pg 34]

MISS PERKINS

Oh, dear!

MR PERKINS

Dash it all! I say!

[Mrs Perkins and a dark Stranger, dressed in black, enter together. She is resisting his advance, but he presses on ruthlessly. As he enters she gives way and changes her tactics.

MRS PERKINS

Well, I must say! Pushin’ a lady about like that! What bis’ness ’ave y’ ’ere?

STRANGER

I’ve told you, madam.

MRS PERKINS

A fine tale! Y’r boy an’ ’is glass marble! Where is ’e? I tell yer we know nothin’ about it. Do we, Pa?

[Behind the Stranger, with a terrific frown, she shakes her fist at him.

MR PERKINS

(Feebly blustering.) Now what’s all this?

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma!

MRS PERKINS

Shut up!

STRANGER

I’m sorry to intrude, sir, but I’ve lost something in your room.

[Pg 35]

MRS PERKINS

What nonsense! ’Ow could yer?

STRANGER

As I have told this lady, my little boy——

MRS PERKINS

Where is ’e?

STRANGER

(To Mr Perkins.) His favourite glass marble. He pretended to throw it. It slipped from his hand and, I am sorry to say, went through your window. I apologise and shall be glad to pay. Please give me the—marble at once. Where is it? I’ve no time to lose.

MRS PERKINS

Where’s the boy?

STRANGER

He’s just round the corner.

MRS PERKINS

D’ y’ expect us to believe that tale?

STRANGER

(With a flash of menace.) You’d better. (To Mr Perkins.) Now, sir!

MR PERKINS

It’s a bit thick, y’ know; I mean thin.

[Pg 36]

STRANGER

It will have to do. No trifling. Come!

[He is looking about the room, having cursorily glanced at the floor. He strides to the window and pulls down the blind.

MRS PERKINS

None o’ y’r liberties here. Get out!

MR PERKINS

’Ere, y’ know! (Aside to Mrs Perkins.) Ma, I don’t like it.

STRANGER

The devil! Where’s the glass?

MRS PERKINS

What glass?

STRANGER

The pane’s gone. You see! I knew this was the house.

MRS PERKINS

That’s easy explained.

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma! Tell him and——

MRS PERKINS

Of course I’ll tell ’im. (She menaces Miss Perkins surreptitiously.) It’s my daughter’s newfangled ideas of ventilation. She would ’ave it so. It’s been that way a fortnight. No—let’s[Pg 37] see—to-day’s Tuesday. Nigh on a month.

STRANGER

Damnation! Where is it? Where’s the diamond?

MRS PERKINS

(With a shriek of exultation.) The diamond!

STRANGER

Yes, let me tell you then. Your lives are in danger. You’ve got the Grand Cham’s diamond.

MR PERKINS

’Ow did it get ’ere?

STRANGER

The thief was pursued. He threw it in.

MR PERKINS

(Querulously.) Why did ’e throw it in ’ere?

STRANGER

Don’t be a fool.

MRS PERKINS

An’ ’oo are you?

STRANGER

I am—the Grand Cham’s representative.

MRS PERKINS

Prove it.

[Pg 38]

STRANGER

Enough of this.

[He draws a revolver. Miss Perkins shrieks. Mr Perkins recoils and edges away. Mrs Perkins stands firm.

MR PERKINS

Ma! Ma!

STRANGER

(Rapping the butt of the revolver on the table.) Where is it?

MRS PERKINS

I’ll tell yer.

STRANGER

At once.

MRS PERKINS

I’ve swallered it.

STRANGER

(Greatly discomposed.) What!

MRS PERKINS

It went down as easy as a oyster.

STRANGER

Swallowed it! You’re joking!

MRS PERKINS

No. I got the idea out of the evenin’ paper. Where is it, Pa? ’Ere. “Child swallows Shillin’. Curious Case.”

[Pg 39]

STRANGER

(To the others.) Is this true?

MISS PERKINS

Oh, I don’t know.

MR PERKINS

Y’ see, I was asleep.

STRANGER

Asleep!

MR PERKINS

Wasn’t I, Mother?

MRS PERKINS

’E’d sleep through anythin’.

STRANGER

D’ you mean to say——? Where is it?

MRS PERKINS

I’ve just told yer.

STRANGER

On your oath——

MRS PERKINS

Oath! D’ y’ doubt the word of a lady?

STRANGER

Then—d’ you feel it—I mean—whereabouts is it now?

[Pg 40]

MRS PERKINS

I don’t think that’s a question a gentleman ’d ask.

STRANGER

Kites of hell! You’ll have to be cut open.

MRS PERKINS

Nay, I won’t.

STRANGER

(To himself.) Cremation? Would it melt the diamond?

MRS PERKINS

I won’t be cremated. There! Y’ ’ve to get the deceased’s consent. I’m goin’ to be buried when my time comes.

STRANGER

(Pacing about in agitation while Mrs Perkins controls the others by nods and winks.) What’s to be done? An emetic?

MRS PERKINS

You’d better go ’ome an’ say it’s lost.

STRANGER

Unhappy woman! Do you understand that your life is a trifle, a pawn in the game?

MRS PERKINS

Pawn! Yes, an’ y’ can’t get it out without the ticket.

[Pg 41]

STRANGER

It’s impossible. It can’t be. (He turns on the others.) The truth! Did she swallow it? If she did, she dies.

MISS PERKINS

Oh, no, no. She didn’t.

MRS PERKINS

You silly!

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma!

MR PERKINS

Ma, Ma, what can we do?

MRS PERKINS

Y can ’old y’r tongues. Y’re no ’elp at all.

STRANGER

What folly this is! What can you do with it? That diamond means death to you. Death! Destruction! You haven’t a chance of keeping it. You’re mad. Your lives now are not worth a minute’s purchase.

MISS PERKINS

Give it up, Ma. I’ll tell you where it is. It’s——

MRS PERKINS

(In a terrible voice.) Stop!

MR PERKINS

What can you do, Ma? Chuck it! Chuck it!

[Pg 42]

MRS PERKINS

’E don’t bluff me. ’E’s in a great ’urry. I believe ’e’s the thief.

STRANGER

Thousand devils! We’re wasting time. (He looks at the clock and then plucks out his watch.) Your clock’s slow. It’s stopped. It was that time when I came in.

MISS PERKINS

Tell him. Tell him.

MR PERKINS

Oh, chuck it!

STRANGER

(Perceiving that he is getting “warm.”) What stopped the clock?

MISS PERKINS

(Hysterically.) Give it ’im.

MRS PERKINS

Polly, I’m ashamed of yer.

[A face appears at the window, but they do not see it.

STRANGER

Is it there?

[He makes for the clock, and Mrs Perkins throws herself in front.

[Pg 43]

MRS PERKINS

No, it’s not; and y’ shan’t meddle with my furniture.

STRANGER

(Pointing the revolver at her.) Move aside!

MRS PERKINS

Move aside yerself.

STRANGER

(He hesitates, then turns the revolver on Miss Perkins.) Is it there? Quick!

[Miss Perkins shrieks, a hand with a revolver in it is thrust through the empty pane, the revolver is fired, the Stranger drops his, stamps, curses, and wrings his hands. A man opens the window-sash and springs into the room.

MISS PERKINS

Albert!

MRS PERKINS

What! It’s Albert.

[The Stranger rushes to the switch and turns off the light. Darkness, shouting, and confusion. The light is turned on. The furniture is disarranged, the Stranger and the clock have gone, the others are distributed about the room, Mrs Perkins sitting in the chair she first occupied.

[Pg 44]

ALBERT

Who’s got it?

MR PERKINS

He’s gone.

MISS PERKINS

Oh! Albert!

ALBERT

Where’s the diamond?

MR PERKINS

It was in the clock.

ALBERT

The clock? Where is it?

MISS PERKINS

Oh! Albert!

MR PERKINS

’E’s taken it. ’E’s got the clock.

MRS PERKINS

Nay, ’e ’asn’t.

[She produces the clock from under her petticoats.

MR PERKINS

Well, I’m blowed!

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Ma!

ALBERT

What is it? Have you got it?

[Pg 45]

MRS PERKINS

I’ve got it right enough.

[She carries the clock to the chimneypiece, opens it, and takes out the diamond.

Will that gentleman come back?

ALBERT

No, he won’t.

MRS PERKINS

How d’ y’ know?

ALBERT

I know.

MRS PERKINS

Polly, just put that blind back, will yer? I don’t like bein’ too public.

MISS PERKINS

Oh! I daren’t.

ALBERT

Now, ma’am, give it to me.

MRS PERKINS

Eh?

ALBERT

Let’s have it. Quick.

MRS PERKINS

Where d’ you come in, Albert?

ALBERT

Come on. This’ll be the making o’ me.

[Pg 46]

MRS PERKINS

O’ me too, I ’ope. But ’adn’t we all better be movin’?

MISS PERKINS

Where to, Ma?

MRS PERKINS

Out at the back door. Pack a few things in a bag.

ALBERT

What are y’ up to? Whad’ y’r mean?

MRS PERKINS

Now, Albert, there’s no time to make explanations. We’re all in at this, aren’t we?

ALBERT

Well—in a way. But look here——

MRS PERKINS

South America’s the place, isn’t it? D’ y’ know anythin’ o’ the sailin’s! Or ’ad we better cross to France? Better take the midnight train somewhere.

ALBERT

Has she gone dotty?

MRS PERKINS

Y’re all asleep. Come on, Polly. A few things in a bag. Now, Pa. Better put this light[Pg 47] out p’raps. Is the front door shut? Look at the time-table, Pa.

[She is making for the door when Albert intercepts her.

ALBERT

Give me the diamond. I dunno what y’re talkin’ about.

MRS PERKINS

Nay, I stick to this.

ALBERT

You can’t! What nonsense! Give it here! This job’s the making o’ me. Let’s have it.

MRS PERKINS

Nay, it’s mine an’ I’ll stick to it.

ALBERT

Yours!

MRS PERKINS

Yes. Dimonds like this belongs to them as can get ’em. Nobody’s honest with things like this. I got it an’ y’ shall all share. But it’s mine. It’s mine. Eh! It’s a beauty. I’d stick to this if all the p’lice in London was after me.

ALBERT

Y’d do what?

MRS PERKINS

Ay, an’ Scotland Yard too.

[Pg 48]

ALBERT

Bah! I’m Scotland Yard.

MRS PERKINS

What!

MISS PERKINS

Oh! Albert!

ALBERT

Didn’t y’ know? Didn’t y’ guess? Didn’t y’ understand? What did y’ take me for?

MRS PERKINS

D’y mean to say——?

ALBERT

I mean t’ say it’s ’igh time I was on my way back with this dimond. The gang’s all rounded up by this time.

MISS PERKINS

The gang?

MR PERKINS

That feller was one of ’em, then? Where is he?

ALBERT

He was copped when he left ’ere. Y’ didn’t know y’r ’ouse was surrounded.

MRS PERKINS

But ’ow did the dimond come ’ere? ’Oo threw it in?

[Pg 49]

ALBERT

I did.

MISS PERKINS

You!

MR PERKINS

You did!

ALBERT

I did that.

MR PERKINS

Why?

ALBERT

Becos they were after me. I was a dead man if I stuck to it then. I threw it in ’ere to gain time and knowin’ the ’ouse.

MISS PERKINS

Well, I never!

ALBERT

They’re a desp’rate lot.

MR PERKINS

It’s all most unusual. Never since I’ve been an ’ouse’older ’ave I——

MISS PERKINS

Oh, Albert! You might ’ave told me.

ALBERT

I ’ad my reasons.

[Pg 50]

MRS PERKINS

Y’re a detective, then?

ALBERT

I am that. So let’s ’ave it. I tell yer I must be off.

MRS PERKINS

(Holding up the diamond, but away from him.) Look at it, Albert!

ALBERT

I see it.

MRS PERKINS

Can y’ be honest? Look at it!

ALBERT

She’s off ’er chump.

MR PERKINS

She doesn’t reelly mean it. I’ve borne a ’igh character all my life.

MRS PERKINS

(Passionately.) It’s my dimond.

MISS PERKINS

I’m ashamed of my ma.

MR PERKINS

My employers ’as always put the utmost confidence in me.

[Pg 51]

ALBERT

What’s she up to? Now ma’am, you’ll just ’and that over or——

MRS PERKINS

Or?

ALBERT

(He produces a whistle.) I wouldn’t ’andle yer myself.

MRS PERKINS

That’s it, is it?

ALBERT

That’s it.

MRS PERKINS

Then let it go the way it came.

[She throws it through the window.

MR PERKINS

’Old on. There’s another pane gone!

ALBERT

O ’ell!

[He rushes out.

MISS PERKINS

You’ll ruin us, Ma.

MRS PERKINS

(Dusting one hand against the other.) A good shuttance.

[Pg 52]

MISS PERKINS

(At the window.) Oh! I hope he’ll find it. There he is, and a policeman’s with him. They’ve got it, I think. Yes. Albert, Albert! I wish he’d look up. They’re seeing if it’s damaged. There! He’s waved his hand.

MRS PERKINS

(She has settled into her chair.) Well, we’ve ’ad quite a busy evenin’.

MISS PERKINS

I don’t know what Albert’ll think of you.

MRS PERKINS

’E’s not going to marry me, thank ’eaven.

MR PERKINS

D’ y’ want t’ know what I think of yer?

MRS PERKINS

Go on! Y’ve no ’magernation.

MISS PERKINS

I never thought to be ashamed of my own mother.

MR PERKINS

Wantin’ in the very el’ments of morality. I wonder ’ow Sossiety ’d get on if they was all like you.

[Pg 53]

MRS PERKINS

Polly, put up that blind. It’s a bit chilly with them broken panes.

MISS PERKINS

Most unladylike as well.

[They settle down into their chairs again. Mrs Perkins takes up her darning and Mr Perkins the paper. After putting up the blind Miss Perkins returns to her puzzle.

MRS PERKINS

’Ow much did y’ say it was worth, Pa?

MR PERKINS

(Gruffly.) Never mind.

MRS PERKINS

Well, I ’ad my bit o’ fun for onct.

CURTAIN