BERTHA.
Try to understand me, Robert. You must try.
ROBERT.
[With a polite gesture.] Well, I will try.
BERTHA.
Why do you stand like that near the door? It makes me nervous to look at you.
ROBERT.
I am trying to understand. And then I am afraid.
BERTHA.
[Holds out her hand.] You need not be afraid.
[Robert comes towards her quickly and takes her hand.]
ROBERT.
[Diffidently.] Used you to laugh over me—together? [Drawing his hand away.] But now I must be good or you may laugh over me again—tonight.
BERTHA.
[Distressed, lays her hand on his arm.] Please listen to me, Robert... But you are all wet, drenched! [She passes her hands over his coat.] O, you poor fellow! Out there in the rain all that time! I forgot that.
ROBERT.
[Laughs.] Yes, you forgot the climate.
BERTHA.
But you are really drenched. You must change your coat.