by Frank Williams

Synopsis

A wealthy woman, still comparatively young, whose first husband has died in suspicious circumstances, has married again. When she returns from her honeymoon in Italy, we learn that both she and her new husband have been ill while they have been away.

Her nineteen year old son finds it difficult to accept his new stepfather. Her faithful housekeeper of many years also feels threatened by the new regime. The young doctor who lives next door and who is hero-worshipped by the son also knows that his relationship with the family will never be the same again.

When the new husband dies and it is established that the cause of death was arsenical poisoning, the wife becomes the obvious suspect, especially after her first husband's body is exhumed and it is established that he too was poisoned. Although clear evidence points to one of the other characters, the true identity of the murderer is not revealed until the last few moments of the play.

Characters

(3m, 2f)

• Elizabeth Jennings - late 50s, homely, not a beauty and never has been, has an edge to her behaviour that belies her, although, this is not sinister
• Peter Thurston - 18, handsome self‑assured, but not arrogant
• Irene Lambert - late 30s but looks younger, beautiful, elegant and sparkling.
• Richard Lambert - early 40s, good looking, possessed of enormous charm, a strong character under an austere exterior, a kind and considerate man
• Dr David Hamilton - 30s, boyish good looks that make him seem much younger, gentle, diffident, perhaps even shy, has great warmth and charm