you wrote or sent papers or books to Dick. And I like you still, Robert. [Looking into his eyes.] I never forgot you.
Robert
Nor I you. I knew I would see you again. I knew it the night you went away—that you would come back. And that was why I wrote and worked to see you again—here.
Bertha
And here I am. You were right.
Robert
[Slowly.] Nine years. Nine times more beautiful!
Bertha
[Smiling.] But am I? What do you see in me?
Robert
[Gazing at her.] A strange and beautiful lady.
Bertha
[Almost disgusted.] O, please don't call me such a thing!
Robert
[Earnestly.] You are more. A young and beautiful queen.
Bertha
[With a sudden laugh.] O, Robert!
Robert
[Lowering his voice and bending nearer to her.] But do you not know that you are a beautiful human being? Do you not know that you have a beautiful body? Beautiful and young?
Bertha
[Gravely.] Some day I will be old.
