THE KNIFE

BY GUY MULLALLY

ROXTON: Come on, let's go for a swim.

MARGUERITE: Without a bathing costume?!

ROXTON: Well, why not? We're all alone. It wouldn't be the first time.

MARGUERITE: True, but I hardly knew you then.

ROXTON: Oh, three weeks and four days to be exact…and I must say, I was surprised to see how bold you were.

MARGUERITE: Well, I was similarly impressed by what a gallant gentleman you could be. Standing watch on the banks of the river, resolutely looking the other way.

ROXTON: Took every ounce of restraint I had…still does.

ANDERSON: I'm tracking a criminal. Well, perhaps the most notorious criminal the world has ever known. I've been on his trail for thirty years.

MARGUERITE: Thirty years?! Who is this criminal?

ROXTON: Well, not you I hope.

ANDERSON: One must pursue one's passion. I'm sure Lord Roxton can understand.

ROXTON: Lord Roxton, quite frankly, is tired of your endless yammering.

MARGUERITE: What is the matter with you? You're behaving like a jealous schoolboy!

ROXTON: Jealous, I am not! However, your infuriating habit of fawning over every man you meet does leave me a trifle weary.

MARGUERITE: Lord Roxton is a little over-protective. It's charming in a quaint sort of way.

CHALLENGER: You were fortunate to get away from him.

VERONICA: No, he's fortunate. If I had known who he wasm he'd be in need of reconstructive surgery himself.

MALONE: I've missed you, veronica. Your concise separation of right and wrong is, uh, refreshing.

ROXTON: It's not that I don't like you, I just…don't trust you.

ANDERSON: Well, I can't say I blame you. A woman like Marguerite is a rare treasure indeed. I don't blame you for guarding her from other men, I most certainly would.

ROXTON: Well, then consider yourself warned.

VERONICA: If it's a knife fight you want, prepare to meet your maker.