at a jumbled memory one has. If anyone had asked me about it I would
have said I could have told how we were sitting with great accuracy. But
I can't somehow.

MISS ERSKINE. I was next to you, Mr. Crosby. (_Upper_ L. _side of
circle. She turns to_ MRS. CROSBY, _who is standing over_ L.) Don't you
remember, Mrs. Crosby, he said he'd always wanted to hold my hand, and
we joked about it. (_Sits in her original chair_.)

MRS. CROSBY (L., _outside of circle_). Yes. I remember.

DONOHUE. That's all right, then. Who came next?

(_Down_ R. _They all hesitate_.)

ROSALIE (_eagerly_). Inspector, I can place them all for you.

MASON (_over end of table_ R.). But you said you didn't care how we sat.

(HELEN R.C. _in circle_.)

ROSALIE. So I did, sir, but I knew where you were sitting all the same.
You will permit that I show you, Inspector?

DONOHUE (_after a pause_). If you will be so kind.

(MISS STANDISH _sits in circle_.)

ROSALIE. The young lady was 'ere. And this gentleman 'e was 'ere.
(_Indicating_ TRENT'S _chair_.)

TRENT (_from_ L., _outside of circle_). By George, I couldn't have told
you, but she's right. This is exactly where I was sitting. (_Sits in
circle_.)

ROSALIE (_taking_ HELEN _hastily by the shoulder and putting her in the
next seat_). And this young lady was 'ere. (HELEN _looks at her for a
moment and then sinks back in her chair_. ROSALIE _points at_ MASON.) He
did come next.

MASON (_over_ R.). No, you're wrong there--I--You're right--I remember
perfectly I was next to Miss O'Neill. (_Crosses_ L. _and sits_ L. _side
of circle_.) I know just how her hand felt in the dark.

(WILLIAM _looks at him quickly_. HELEN _turns and looks at him in
wonder_.)

HELEN (_seated_ L. _side in circle_). Well really, Mr. Mason!

MASON. Oh, I don't mean it that way at all. I assure you I don't.

WILLIAM. Then why did you say it? (_Seated_ R.C.)

MASON. My dear fellow, I've apologized. You are misunderstanding me.

MRS. CROSBY. I think we're all very much upset. (L. _outside circle._)
Inspector Donohue, must we go through all this again?

DONOHUE. I'm afraid so, Mrs. Crosby.

CROSBY. Then let's get it over as quickly as possible. (_Sits_ C. _in
his original chair in circle._)

DONOHUE. Mr. Crosby, you seem to forget that this is a police
investigation, and must be conducted as I see fit. Who sat next to Mr.
Mason?

ROSALIE (_pointing to_ MISS EASTWOOD). This young lady.

MISS EASTWOOD. I was next t