ROBERT.
[Slightly wounded.] And I will tell you the whole truth.
RICHARD.
[Smiles and bows.] Yes. Do, please.
ROBERT.
Not only for your sake. Also for the sake of—your present partner in life.
RICHARD.
I see.
[He crushes his cigarette softly on the ashtray and then leans forward, rubbing his hands slowly.]
RICHARD.
Why for her sake?
ROBERT.
[Also leans forward, quietly.] Richard, have you been quite fair to her? It was her own free choice, you will say. But was she really free to choose? She was a mere girl. She accepted all that you proposed.
RICHARD.
[Smiles.] That is your way of saying that she proposed what I would not accept.
ROBERT.
[Nods.] I remember. And she went away with you. But was it of her own free choice? Answer me frankly.
RICHARD.
[Turns to him, calmly.] I played for her against all that you say or can say; and I won.