The Mousetrap

The second scene takes place the following afternoon in the same location. Major Metcalf and Mrs. Boyle discuss the guest house; she complains, but he has a more positive attitude. Christopher and Mollie pass through the hall. Giles and Metcalf go out to shovel snow. Miss Casewell enters the hall, and Mollie crashes into her while carrying cleaning tools to another offstage room.

Mrs. Boyle complains about how the Ralstons are running the accommodations to Miss Casewell. Miss Casewell disagrees, is evasive when questioned about her past, and turns on loud music until Mrs. Boyle leaves. Christopher enters, and they turn down the radio to talk about their shared dislike of Mrs. Boyle. Miss Casewell makes a few mysterious comments and then begins to read a magazine. Christopher leaves and Mollie enters, chasing after a ringing phone.

Mollie’s side of the telephone conversation indicates that someone on the other end is calling from a police station. She talks about the snow cutting off access to Monkswell Manor and then the phone call itself is abruptly cut off. Giles enters, and Mollie tells him that the police are sending a Sergeant Trotter (this turns out to be a con perpetuated by the murderer who disguises himself as this sergeant).