Act I

Act 1 opens at Andrew Wyke's country house. The acclaimed mystery writer is working on his most recent novel, when the doorbell rings. At the door is Milo Tindle. Andrew has invited the younger man over to discuss Andrew's wife. Marguerite. Apparently. Milo wants to marry her. Andrew does not think that Milo will be able to keep Marguerite in the lavish style to which she has grown accustomed. However, Andrew has a mistress himself, and he is more than happy to have Marguerite taken off his hands. He proposes a plan, which he has already worked out: Milo will "steal" some jewels that Andrew owns and sell them abroad. Thus Milo will have the money needed to support Marguerite: Andrew will be done with his lavish wife and. at the same time, get a hefty settlement from his insurance agency.

Milo is initially suspicious. He is...