RICHARD.
[Violently.] And you have the courage to say that to me?
BERTHA.
[Facing him.] Yes, I have! Both then and now. Because I am simple you think you can do what you like with me. [Gesticulating.] Follow him now. Call him names. Make him be humble before you and make him despise me. Follow him!
RICHARD.
[Controlling himself.] You forget that I have allowed you complete liberty—and allow you it still.
BERTHA.
[Scornfully.] Liberty!
RICHARD.
Yes, complete. But he must know that I know. [More calmly.] I will speak to him quietly. [Appealing.] Bertha, believe me, dear! It is not jealousy. You have complete liberty to do as you wish—you and he. But not in this way. He will not despise you. You don’t wish to deceive me or to pretend to deceive me—with him, do you?
BERTHA.
No, I do not. [Looking full at him.] Which of us two is the deceiver?
RICHARD.
Of us? You and me?
BERTHA.
[In a calm decided tone.] I know why you have allowed me what you call complete liberty.
RICHARD.
Why?
BERTHA.
To have complete liberty with—that girl.