J.B Priestly - An Inspector Calls - Act Two J. B. Priestley

Act Two

// At rise, scene and situation are exactly as they were at end of act one. The Inspector remains at the door for a few moments looking at Sheila and Gerald. Then he comes forward, leaving door open behind him.//

Inspector: (To Gerald) Well?

Sheila: (with hysterical laugh, to Gerald) You see? What did I tell you?

Inspector: What did you tell him?

Gerald: (with an effort) Inspector, I think Miss Birling ought to be excused any more of this questioning. She'd nothing more to tell you. She's had a long exciting and tiring day – we were celebrating our engagement, you know – and now she's obviously had about as much as she can stand. You heard her.

Sheila: He means that I'm getting hysterical now.

Inspector: And are you?

Sheila: Probably.

Inspector: well, I don't want to keep you here. I've no more questions to ask you.

Sheila: no, but you haven't finished asking questions – have you?

Inspector: No.

Sheila: (to Gerald) You see? (to Inspector.) Then I'm staying.