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THE MONKEY'S PAW
Scene.—The living-room of an old-fashioned cottage on the outskirts of Fulham. Set corner-wise in the left angle at the back a deep window; further fronts l., three or four steps lead up to a door. Further forward a dresser, with plates, glasses, etc. r. c. at back an alcove with the street door fully visible. On the inside of the street door, a wire letter-box. On the right a cupboard, then a fireplace. In the centre a round table. Against the wall, l. back, an old-fashioned piano. A comfortable armchair each side of the fireplace. Other chairs. On the mantelpiece a clock, old china figures, etc. An air of comfort pervades the room.
I
(At the rise of the curtain, Mrs. White, a pleasant-looking old woman, is seated in the armchair below the fire, attending to a kettle which is steaming on the fire, and keeping a laughing eye on Mr. White and Herbert. These two are seated at the right angle of the table nearest the fire with a chess-board between them. Mr. White is evidently losing. His hair is ruffled: his spectacles are high up on his forehead. Herbert, a fine young fellow, is looking with satisfaction at the move he has just made. Mr White makes several attempts to move, but thinks
