Scene 6
SOUND EFFECT: Door creaking open and shut
SOUND EFFECT: Footsteps on carpet
MRS. HUDSON:
Well, they left this room in a right state!
ABIGAIL:
Such a mess! Shall we put it to rights?
MRS. HUDSON:
Suppose we must now, since that's what we said we were on about.
ABIGAIL:
Certainly is a fancy place.
MRS. HUDSON:
Could use some new curtains, to my eye. I think the moths have been a bit too much at these. Now, where's that tea stain? Seems as good a place as any to start.
ABIGAIL:
Here it is! By the great leather chair.
MRS. HUDSON:
Look at that— just left the cup and saucer where they lay. But that's quite dark for fresh-brewed tea. Hadn't Susan only just brought the water?
ABIGAIL:
Yes, but remember what she told us? She found the teapot still full, so she poured cups from that.
MRS. HUDSON:
Oh, aye? Then why ever did they send her for hot water? It would have gone cold by the time they finished the pot.
ABIGAIL:
That must be the water, in the copper kettle on the sideboard.
SOUND EFFECT: Lid lifting off kettle
ABIGAIL:
Why, Mrs. Hudson, there's tea in here.
MRS. HUDSON:
In the kettle? What gentlefolk put tea leaves straight into the kettle?
ABIGAIL:
I don't see any leaves, ma'am. But come look for yourself, it's dark.
MRS. HUDSON:
Why, by St. Andrew.
ABIGAIL:
Susan never mentioned this, did she?
MRS. HUDSON:
Indeed she didn't. And it's clear as crystal, not a fanning in sight. Hmm… (Sniffs) That's no tea that I ever smelled. Abby, dear, fetch me that empty cup.
SOUND EFFECT: Clinking of china
ABIGAIL:
Yes, ma'am.
SOUND EFFECT: Pouring liquid
MRS. HUDSON:
Why, would you look at that!
ABIGAIL:
What is that, Mrs. Hudson?
MRS. HUDSON:
I couldn't say, Abby. But did you ever see tea quite that brilliant red?
ABIGAIL:
No, ma'am. What does it mean?
MRS. HUDSON:
I'd say we've got some mulling to do, my girl. Mr. Holmes has his calabash and his shag tobacco for his thoughtful moments. As for us—
SOUND EFFECT: Sloshing of scrub bucket
MRS. HUDSON:
—We've got a Persian rug to scrub.
TRANSITION MUSIC.
(Exeunt.)