Richard
I told him you were sincere with him.
Bertha
He does not believe it. Nobody would believe it. I should have told him first—not you.
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.
