BEATRICE.
Well, after what took place here yesterday afternoon—I mean what Robert said, that Mr Rowan had accepted this position. It was only natural I should think...
BERTHA.
Ah, yes. Naturally.
BEATRICE.
[Hastily.] But that is not what alarmed me. But immediately after I heard a noise in my cousin’s room.
BERTHA.
[Crumples together the paper in her hands, breathlessly.] My God! What is it? Tell me.
BEATRICE.
[Observing her.] Why does that upset you so much?
BERTHA.
[Sinking back, with a forced laugh.] Yes, of course, it is very foolish of me. My nerves are all upset. I slept very badly, too. That is why I got up so early. But tell me what was it then?
BEATRICE.
Only the noise of his valise being pulled along the floor. Then I heard him walking about his room, whistling softly. And then locking it and strapping it.
BERTHA.
He is going away!
BEATRICE.
That was what alarmed me. I feared he had had a quarrel with Mr Rowan and that his article was an attack.
BERTHA.
But why should they quarrel? Have you noticed anything between them?