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have time for any pleasure. In fact, there’s a matter I should be Jekyll You have a key to the yard?

attending to now, if you can spare me?


Mrs Temple [Takes key out] Here, sir.
Jekyll Willingly. We both have work to do, despite the lateness of the
Jekyll [Takes key] I shall assume full responsibility for it from now on.
hour.
Mrs Temple Very good, sir.
Utterson I noticed your laboratory already prepared, though you’ve
barely moved in. Jekyll Forget the door exists.
Jekyll Thank you for helping me celebrate the move. [Shakes Mrs Temple Yes, sir.
Utterson’s hand warmly] You, at least, have been excellent
company tonight.
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SCENE 1
Utterson I’ve enjoyed myself greatly. And hope to see you again very
soon.
Jekyll You will. Good night, Utterson.
Mrs Temple comes into the room with two housemaids.
Utterson [Leaving] Good night, Jekyll. Good night, Mrs Temple. A
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wonderful meal.
Mrs Temple Thank you again, sir. Girls, busy yourselves.
The housemaids load all the supper things onto a trolley as Mrs
Temple goes to speak with Jekyll.
Sir?
Jekyll What is it? I haven’t time to discuss domestic matters.
Mrs Temple No, sir. [Discreetly] I simply wondered if you mean to go out
again later?
Jekyll Now, I have a great deal of work to do. So if you and the
Jekyll [Quiet, but angry] How is that any of a housekeeper’s business? young ladies have finished clearing…
Mrs Temple It’s only that I’m a light sleeper, sir. And I heard you returning Mrs Temple Certainly sir. [Moves away] Come on girls.
in the early hours last night.
Mrs Temple and the housemaids gather up the last of the
Jekyll [Embarrassed] You have the hearing of a bat, Mrs Temple. supper things and start going offstage with the trolley.
Mrs Temple Mr Poole and I are afraid we may lock the door to the yard Jekyll Thank you, Mrs Temple.
one night, without realising that you are out… [Tactfully] …
Mrs Temple [Going offstage] I’m happy to oblige, sir.
taking the night air.
Jekyll [Watches her leave, then sarcastically repeats] ‘Happy to oblige’!
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