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118
(In Sir Wilfred's study. Sir Wilfred thinks that the evidence given by Christine Helm produced a great
impression on the jurors. One question is still puzzling him — what made Christine testify against her husband?
Suddenly his telephone rings. He hears a woman's voice. The woman offers to sell him Christine's letters to her
lover. Sir Wilfried meets the woman, buys the letters and
hurries to the Old Bailey. The courtroom of the Old
Bailey.)
Judge: Since the defence has called but one witness, the prisoner, it has the right to be heard last.
Sir Wilfried: My Lord, I ask that the case for the Defence be reopened, and that a witness be recalled. I
have the new important evidence — the letters of Christine Helm.
(Christine Helm is called and enters the witness-box.),
Judge: Sir Wilfried, will you read the tetter in question so that the jury may hear it.
Sir Wilfried: (reads) «My beloved Max, an extraordinary thing has happened. All our difficulties may soon
be solved. Leonard is suspected of murdering the old lady I told you about. His only hope of an alibi depends
on me alone. What I say is everything for him. If I testify that he was not at home with me at the time of the
murder, that he came home with blood on his sleeves, they will take him away forever, and I shall be free, and
yours, my beloved... Christine». And now I ask you Christine Helm, did you write this letter?
Christine: (with tears in her eyes) Yes, I did.
Sir Wilfried: (to the judge) Then that, My Lord, is the case for the defence³.
Scene V
(The jury brings in a verdict of not guilty. Leonard Vole is released. Everyone leaves the courtroom. Sir
Wilfried is still sitting in his place. He is not satisfied. Christine enters.)
Christine: Well, let me tell you something, Sir Wilfried. It's not only you who saved Leonard's life. We did
it.
Sir Wilfried: We?
Christine: I had the idea that I should be a witness not for my husband, but for the prosecution. The
problem was whether you would believe me. It was I who sold these letters to you. There never was a Max.
There's never been anyone but Leonard.
Sir Wilfried: And you know he was innocent?
Christine: No. I knew he was guilty. He did have blood on his sleeves. He did tell me he had killed the
woman. Only I could save him...
Sir Wilfried: And you saved him. A murderer?
Christine: You don't understand. I love him.
(Vole comes in.)
Vole: (to Sir Wilfried) She fooled you completely, didn't she?
Sir Wilfried: It was you, Vole, who fooled me!
(Suddenly a girl runs up to Vole and they embrace.)
Christine: Leonard, who's this girl?
Girl: I'm not this girl, I am his girl! Tell her Len! We've been going together for months and we're going
away.
Christine: You can't, Leonard! Not after what I've done! I won't let you.
Vole: Don't be silly. I saved your life getting you out of Germany, you saved me. So we're even. It's all
over now.
Christine: Don't Leonard! Don't leave me! Don't!
Vole: Pull yourself together
4
. They'll only try you for perjury.
Christine: I don't care! Let them! Let them try me for perjury or... (on the table she sees the knife that was
exhibited as evidence in the case)... or better yet... Let them try me for this! (Snatches the knife, runs up to Vole
and thrusts it into his chest. Vole falls down.)
Voices: What's happened?
SirWilfried: She's killed him. Oh, no! She's executed him.
(Mrs. Vole is led by two policemen.)
And I'm appearing for the Defence in the trial of Christine Vole!
Notes:
1. I swear by Almighty God —
Клянусь всемогущим Господом Богом
2. My Lord — милорд (обращение к судье Высокого суда во время судебного заседания)
3. This is the case for the defence — дело выиграно защитой
4. Pull yourself together — возьми себя в руки