Bertha
[Unpins her hat and sits down.] Very well. You can go. Now I know what to do.
Richard
[Returns, approaches her.] You don't believe a word of what you say.
Bertha
[Calmly.] You can go. Why don't you?
Richard
Then you have come here and led him on in this way on account of me. Is that how it is?
Bertha
There is one person in all this who is not a fool. And that is you. I am though. And he is.
Richard
[Continuing.] If so you have indeed treated him badly and shamefully.
Bertha
[Points at him.] Yes. But it was your fault. And I will end it now. I am simply a tool for you. You have no respect for me. You never had because I did what I did.
Richard
And has he respect?
Bertha
He has. Of all the persons I met since I came back he is the only one who has. And he knows what they only suspect. And that is why I liked him from the first and like him still. Great respect for me she has! Why did you not ask her to come away with you nine years ago?
