BEATRICE.
Yes. Here it is. A long article, a leading article, by my cousin. All his life is here. Do you wish to see it?
BERTHA.
[Takes the paper, and opens it.] Where is it?
BEATRICE.
In the middle. It is headed: A Distinguished Irishman.
BERTHA.
Is it... for Dick or against him?
BEATRICE.
[Warmly.] O, for him! You can read what he says about Mr Rowan. And I know that Robert stayed in town very late last night to write it.
BERTHA.
[Nervously.] Yes. Are you sure?
BEATRICE.
Yes. Very late. I heard him come home. It was long after two.
BERTHA.
[Watching her.] It alarmed you? I mean to be awakened at that hour of the morning.
BEATRICE.
I am a light sleeper. But I knew he had come from the office and then... I suspected he had written an article about Mr Rowan and that was why he came so late.
BERTHA.
How quick you were to think of that!