Sherlock Holmes: A Drama in Four Acts Part 15

Sherlock Holmes 
A Drama in Four Acts

ACT IV (cont..)

HOLMES (speaks hurriedly):  Now that you think it over, Miss Faulkner, you are doubtless beginning to realize the series of tricks by which I sought to deprive you of your property. I couldn’t take it out of the house that night like a straightforward thief — because it could have been recovered at law, and for that reason I resorted to a cruel and cowardly device which should induce you to relinquish it.

ALICE (not looking at him): But you — you did not give it to them —

(Pause.)

HOLMES (in a forced cynical hard voice): No — I preferred that you should do as you did.

(ALICE looks suddenly up at him in surprise and pain, with a breathless “ What?” scarcely audible.  HOLMES meets her look without a tremor.)

(Slowly, distinctly.) You see, Miss Faulkner, it was a trick — a deception — to the very — end.

(ALICE looks in his face a moment longer and then down.)

Your maid is waiting.

ALICE (stopping him by speech — no action): And was it — a trick last night — when they tried to kill you?

HOLMES (hearing ALICE, stops dead): I went there to purchase the counterfeit package — to use as you have seen.

ALICE: And — did you know I would come?

(Pause.)

HOLMES: No.

(ALICE gives a subdued breath of relief)

But it fell in with my plans notwithstanding. Now that you see me in my true light, Miss Faulkner, we have nothing left to say but good night — and good-bye — which you ought to be very glad to do. Believe me, I meant no harm to you — it was purely business — with me. For that you see I would sacrifice everything. Even my supposed — friendship for you — was a pretense — a sham — everything that you — 

(She has slowly turned away to the front during his speech. She turns and looks him in the face.)

ALICE (quietly but distinctly): I don’t believe it.

(They look at one another.)

HOLMES (after a while): Why not?

ALICE: From the way you speak — from the way you — look — from all sorts of things! — (With a very slight smile.) You’re not the only one — who can tell things — from small details.

HOLMES (coming a step closer to her): Your faculty — of observation is — is somewhat remarkable, Miss Faulkner — and your deduction is quite correct! I suppose — indeed I know — that I love you. I love you. But I know as well what I am — and what you are — 

(ALICE begins to draw nearer to him gradually, but with her face turned front.)

I know that no such person as I should ever dream of being a part of your sweet life! It would be a crime for me to think of such a thing! There is every reason why I should say good-bye and farewell! There is every reason — 

(ALICE gently places her right hand on HOLMES’ breast, which stops him from continuing speech. He suddenly stops. After an instant he begins slowly to look down into her face. His left arm gradually steals about her. He presses her head close to him and the lights fade away with ALICE resting in HOLMES’ arms, her head on his breast.) 

(Music swells gradually.)