RICHARD.
[Calmly.] I thank you for your kind article about me. Is it true that you have come to say goodbye?
ROBERT.
There is nothing to thank me for, Richard. Now and always I am your friend. Now more than ever before. Do you believe me, Richard?
[Richard sits down on a chair and buries his face in his hands. Bertha and Robert gaze at each other in silence. Then she turns away and goes out quietly on the right. Robert goes towards Richard and stands near him, resting his hands on the back of a chair, looking down at him. There is a long silence. A Fishwoman is heard crying out as she passes along the road outside.]
THE FISHWOMAN.
Fresh Dublin bay herrings! Fresh Dublin bay herrings! Dublin bay herrings!
ROBERT.
[Quietly.] I will tell you the truth, Richard. Are you listening?
RICHARD.
[Raises his face and leans back to listen.] Yes.
[Robert sits on the chair beside him. The Fishwoman is heard calling out farther away.]
THE FISHWOMAN.
Fresh herrings! Dublin bay herrings!
ROBERT.
I failed, Richard. That is the truth. Do you believe me?
RICHARD.
I am listening.