Jasper (in immaculate evening dress). I thought I heard a noise, so I slipped on some old things hurriedly and came down. (Fingering his perfectly-tied tie.) But there seems to be nobody here. (Turns round suddenly to the window.) Ha, who's there? Hands up, blow you--(He ought to swear rather badly here, really)--hands up, or I fire! [The stage is suddenly plunged into darkness, there is the noise of a struggle, and the lights go on to reveal Jasper by the door covering Dick with his revolver. Jasper. Let's have a little light on you. (Brutally.) Now then, my man, what have you got to say for yourself? Ha! An escaped convict, eh? Dick (to himself in amazement). Jasper Beeste! Jasper. So you know my name? Dick (in the tones of a man whose whole life has been blighted by the machinations of a false friend). Yes, Jasper Beeste, I know your name. For two years I have said it to myself every night, when I prayed Heaven that I should meet you again. Jasper. Again? (Uneasily.) We have met before? Dick (slowly). We have met before, Jasper Beeste. Since then I have lived a lifetime of misery. You may well fail to recognize me. Enter Millicent Wilsdon--in a dressing-gown, with her hair over her shoulders, if the county will stand it. Millicent (to Jasper). I couldn't sleep--I heard a noise--I--(suddenly seeing the other) Dick! (She trembles.) Dick. Millicent! (He trembles too.) Jasper. Trayle! (So does he.) Dick (bitterly). You shrink from me, Millicent. (With strong common sense.) What is an escaped convict to the beautiful Miss Wilsdon? Millicent. Dick--I--you--when you were sentenced-- Dick. When I was sentenced--the evidence was black against me, I admit--I wrote and released you from your engagement. You are married now? Millicent (throwing herself on the sofa). Oh, Dick! Jasper (recovering himself). Enough of this. Miss Wilsdon is going to marry me to-morrow. Dick. To marry YOU! (He strides over to the sofa and pulls Millicent to her feet.) Millicent, look me in the eyes! Do you love him? (She turns away.) Say "Yes," and I will go back quietly to my prison. (She raises her eyes to his.) Ha! I thought so! You don't love him! Now then I can speak. Jasper (advancing threateningly). Yes, to your friends the warders. Millicent, ring the bell. Dick (wresting the revolver from his grasp). Ha, would you? Now stand over there and listen to me. (He arranges his audience, Millicent on a sofa on the right, Jasper, biting his finger-nails, on the left.) Three years ago Lady Wilsdon's diamond necklace was stolen. My flat was searched and the necklace was found in my hatbox. Although I protested my innocence, I was tried, found guilty, and sentenced to ten years' penal servitude, followed by fifteen years' police supervision. Millicent (raising herself on the sofa). Dick, you were innocent--I know it. (She falls back again.)