[They both look at each other coldly in silence for some moments. Bertha lays aside the paper and sits down on a chair nearer to Beatrice.]
BERTHA.
[Placing her hand on Beatrice’s knee.] So you also hate me, Miss Justice?
BEATRICE.
[With an effort.] Hate you? I?
BERTHA.
[Insistently but softly.] Yes. You know what it means to hate a person?
BEATRICE.
Why should I hate you? I have never hated anyone.
BERTHA.
Have you ever loved anyone? [She puts her hand on Beatrice’s wrist.] Tell me. You have?
BEATRICE.
[Also softly.] Yes. In the past.
BERTHA.
Not now?
BEATRICE.
No.
BERTHA.
Can you say that to me—truly? Look at me.