ABEL. What have you done to her?
AXEL. I have bent her.
ABEL. I noticed that—she is black and blue around the wrists! Look at me! I didn't think that of you. Well, conqueror, triumph now!
AXEL. It's an uncertain conquest, and I don't even wish for it.
ABEL. Are you sure of that? [She leans over to Axel, in low voice.] Bertha loves you now—now that you have bent her.
AXEL. I know it. But I don't love her any longer.
ABEL. Won't you go in and see her?
AXEL. No, it's all over. [Takes doctor's arm.] Come!
ABEL. May I take a message to Bertha?
AXEL. No! Yes! Tell her, that I despise and abhor her.