Scene IV

(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.