BERTHA.
Yes. I liked you because you were his friend. We often spoke about you. Often and often. Every time you wrote or sent papers or books to Dick. And I like you still, Robert. [Looking into his eyes.] I never forgot you.
ROBERT.
Nor I you. I knew I would see you again. I knew it the night you went away—that you would come back. And that was why I wrote and worked to see you again—here.
BERTHA.
And here I am. You were right.
ROBERT.
[Slowly.] Nine years. Nine times more beautiful!
BERTHA.
[Smiling.] But am I? What do you see in me?
ROBERT.
[Gazing at her.] A strange and beautiful lady.
BERTHA.
[Almost disgusted.] O, please don’t call me such a thing!
ROBERT.
[Earnestly.] You are more. A young and beautiful queen.
BERTHA.
[With a sudden laugh.] O, Robert!
ROBERT.
[Lowering his voice and bending nearer to her.] But do you not know that you are a beautiful human being? Do you not know that you have a beautiful body? Beautiful and young?