He sleeps there, too, on a sofa. He slept there last night. I can show you if you don't believe me.
[She rises to go towards the study. Beatrice half rises quickly and makes a gesture of refusal.]
Beatrice
I believe you, of course, Mrs Rowan, when you tell me.
Bertha
[Sitting down again.] Yes. He is writing. And it must be about something which has come into his life lately—since we came back to Ireland. Some change. Do you know that any change has come into his life? [She looks searchingly at her.] Do you know it or feel it?
Beatrice
[Answers her look steadily.] Mrs Rowan, that is not a question to ask me. If any change has come into his life since he came back you must know and feel it.
Bertha
You could know it just as well. You are very intimate in this house.
Beatrice
I am not the only person who is intimate here.
[They both look at each other coldly in silence for some moments. Bertha lays aside the paper and sits down on a chair nearer to Beatrice.]
Bertha
[Placing her hand on Beatrice's knee.] So you also hate me, Miss Justice?
Beatrice
[With an effort.] Hate you? I?
