RICHARD.
[Irritated.] But, good God, you knew about that this long time. I never hid it.
BERTHA.
You did. I thought it was a kind of friendship between you—till we came back, and then I saw.
RICHARD.
So it is, Bertha.
BERTHA.
[Shakes her head.] No, no. It is much more; and that is why you give me complete liberty. All those things you sit up at night to write about [pointing to the study] in there—about her. You call that friendship?
RICHARD.
Believe me, Bertha dear. Believe me as I believe you.
BERTHA.
[With an impulsive gesture.] My God, I feel it! I know it! What else is between you but love?
RICHARD.
[Calmly.] You are trying to put that idea into my head but I warn you that I don’t take my ideas from other people.
BERTHA.
[Hotly.] It is, it is! And that is why you allow him to go on. Of course! It doesn’t affect you. You love her.
RICHARD.
Love! [Throws out his hands with a sigh and moves away from her.] I cannot argue with you.
BERTHA.
You can’t because I am right. [Following him a few steps.] What would anyone say?