RICHARD.
I thought he was a common robber, prepared to use even violence against you. I had to protect you from that.
BERTHA.
That I could have done myself.
RICHARD.
Are you sure?
BERTHA.
It would have been enough to have told him that you knew I was here. Now I can find out nothing. He hates me. He is right to hate me. I have treated him badly, shamefully.
RICHARD.
[Takes her hand.] Bertha, look at me.
BERTHA.
[Turns to him.] Well?
RICHARD.
[Gazes into her eyes and then lets her hand fall.] I cannot read in your heart either.
BERTHA.
[Still looking at him.] You could not remain away. Do you not trust me? You can see I am quite calm. I could have hidden it all from you.
RICHARD.
I doubt that.
BERTHA.
[With a slight toss of her head.] O, easily if I had wanted to.