"strong-man-with-his-back-to-the-wall" expression. (_Arranging his
face_.) How's that?

_HOLMAN CLARK_. Begin again.... That's better.

_Mérital (sternly_). Now then, Frépeau! I must ask you to give
instructions that the libel is withdrawn in court this afternoon. If
not--

_Frépeau_. Well?

_Mérital (softly_). I know somebody else who stole something from the
stamp drawer thirty years ago. (Frépeau's _whiskers tremble_.) Aha, I
thought I'd move you this time.

_Frépeau_. It's a lie! How did you find out?

_Mérital (blandly_). I said to myself, "I am the hero of this play and
I've got to get out of this mess somehow. If I could only find some
papers incriminating the villain--that's you all would be well." So
I--er--found them.... It's no good, Frépeau. Unless you let me off,
you're done.

_Frépeau (getting up_). Well, I suppose I must. But personally I'd be
ashamed to escape through such a rotten coincidence as that. (_Making
for the door_.) I'll just go and arrange it. Er, I suppose this is the
end?

_Sir GEORGES_. The end? Good Heavens, man, I've got my big scene to
come. I have to explain _why_ Mérital stole the money thirty years