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108
[Act II

Bertha

[Following him with her eyes.] But I knew that before I came. I am not angry with you for it.

Robert

[Shrugs his shoulders.] Why should you be angry with me after all? You are not even angry with him—for the same thing—or worse.

Bertha

Did he tell you that about himself?

Robert

Yes. He told me. We all confess to one another here. Turn about.

Bertha

I try to forget it.

Robert

It does not trouble you?

Bertha

Not now. Only I dislike to think of it.

Robert

It is merely something brutal, you think? of little importance?

Bertha

It does not trouble me—now.

Robert

[Looking at her over his shoulder.] But there is something that would trouble you very much and that you would not try to forget?

Bertha

What?