POLLOCK. Yes, sir, I'm to lock this door on the outside, keep the key in my pocket, and then stay just outside, and not open it for anyone until you tell me.
CROSBY. Exactly. (_General buzz of conversation._ POLLOCK _goes to the door_ L., _takes out the key and exits, closing the door after him. The key is heard turning in the lock._) Now then, Mason, you'd better try that door, too. (MASON _goes over and tries the door_ L. CROSBY _follows him. Speaking through the door_ L.) Are you there, Pollock?
CROSBY. Now we're ready, Madame la Grange.
ROSALIE. Then please you will all sit in a circle and hold hands.
MISS ERSKINE. Hold hands! I'm going to love this.
MASON (_moving down to a chair on the_ L. _of the circle_). How shall we sit? I mean, do you want us in any particular order?
WILLIAM. I'll sit here. (_Takes chair and sits in reach of lamp on table_ R.C.)
(_They all sit in a circle in the following order_: ROSALIE, C.; CROSBY L. _of_ ROSALIE; MISS ERSKINE, MISS STANDISH, TRENT, MISS EASTWOOD; MASON; HELEN; MRS. TRENT; STANDISH _and_ MRS. CROSBY; WILLIAM _sits on_ ROSALIE'S _right side. This will bring_ WALES _sitting at_ C. _with his back to the audience_. ROSALIE _directly opposite up stage facing him. The thirteen chairs in the circle consist of two brought from the fireplace, two from the table_ R., _eight from the room_ R.C., _and the armchair_ L.C., _which is moved_ C. _and used by_ ROSALIE. _As they are being seated there is a general buzz of conversation as follows_:--)
MISS ERSKINE. I'm to sit next to you, Mr. Crosby.
CROSBY. I've always wanted to hold your hand, my dear.
MISS EASTWOOD. I'm really getting quite a thrill. (ROSALIE _laughs_.) What's the joke, Madame la Grange?
(MRS. TRENT _moves outside of circle to_ R.C., _then sits_.)
ROSALIE. I did not know anything could give to you a thrill.
MISS EASTWOOD. You don't like me, do you, Madame la Grange?
ROSALIE. Oh, mademoiselle, I am indeed very fond of you.
WALES (_standing below circle_ R.C.). I think we're all ready.
(_The others are all seated and_ WALES _is about to sit down_.)
MISS ERSKINE (_counting hurriedly_). Oh! There are thirteen of us. Don't sit there, Mr. Wales.
WALES. Oh, I don't mind those little superstitions. (_Sits down stage side of circle between_ HELEN _and_ MRS. TRENT.)