SHERLOCK HOLMES
ACT I
The scene represents the drawing-room at Edelweiss Lodge, an old house, gloomy and decayed, situated in a lonely district in a little-frequented part of London.
The furniture is old and decayed, with the exception of the piano—a baby-grand. The desk is very solid. The ceiling is heavily beamed. Many places out of repair in the walls and ceilings. Carvings broken here and there.
The music stops an instant before rise of curtain. A short pause after curtain is up. Curtain rises in darkness—lights come up. Madge Larrabee is discovered up B.C., anxiously waiting. A strikingly handsome woman, but with a somewhat hard face. Black hair. Richly dressed.
(Enter Forman at door C. with evening paper. He is a quiet, perfectly trained servant. He comes down C. and is met by Madge, who takes the paper from him quickly.)
Forman (speaks always very quietly). Pardon, ma'am, but one of the maids wishes to speak with you.
(Madge is scanning the paper eagerly and sinks on to seat at the foot of the piano.)
Madge (not looking from paper). I can't spare the time now.
Forman. Very well, ma'am. (Turns to go.)
Madge (without looking up from paper). Which maid was it?
Madge (turning towards Madge again). Térèse, ma'am.
Madge (looking up. Very slight surprise in her tone). Térèse!
Forman. Yes, ma'am.
Madge. Have you any idea what she wants?
Forman. Not the least, ma'am.
Madge. She must tell you. I'm very busy, and can't see her unless I know.
Forman. I'll say so, ma'am.
(Turns and exits C., carefully and quietly closing the door after him—immediately coming in again and watching Madge from up C.
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