[Rupert picks it up and begins to fumble with lock. Brandon leaps forward, but Rupert is too quick for him. He swings round into a sitting posture on the chest, and has his sword pointed at the other’s breast.
Brandon. You’ll be sorry if you look in there, Cadell! You’ll be sorry!
Rupert. I’ll take the risk. Will you go back to that chair?
[Brandon obeys. Rupert goes on fumbling. He unlocks it. He pauses before opening, and looks at Brandon. Then he slowly lifts the lid and looks in. Long pause. Suddenly the lid comes down with a smash. Rupert literally runs, in so far as his lameness will allow him, towards the door. The thing has obviously appalled him more than he could have imagined. He turns round and runs in the same way up stage, C. There he stops, completely overcome.
Rupert. Oh—you swine. . . . (Wipes his hand across his mouth, his lips at once contemptuous and horror-struck.) You dirty swine. . . . (Gives a shuddering sob.)
Brandon (quietly). Now then, Rupert. Sit down. I want to talk to you.
Rupert. Poor Ronald Kentley. . . . What had he done to you? (Comes down a little.)
Brandon. Sit down, Rupert. For God’s sake sit down. I want to talk to you.
Rupert (pulling himself together). Sit down, Brandon? What do you mean?
Brandon (louder. He is himself standing). Sit down! For God’s sake sit down and listen. I want to explain!
Rupert. Explain?
Brandon (slightly giving way). Oh, sit down. For God’s sake sit down! I’m at your mercy, I tell you, I’m at your mercy. Have mercy on me! I can explain!
[ 82 ]
