Act III]
131
Bertha
[Insistently but softly.] Yes. You know what it means to hate a person?
Beatrice
Why should I hate you? I have never hated anyone.
Bertha
Have you ever loved anyone? [She puts her hand on Beatrice's wrist.] Tell me. You have?
Beatrice
[Also softly.] Yes. In the past.
Bertha
Not now?
Beatrice
No.
Bertha
Can you say that to me—truly. Look at me.
Beatrice
[Looks at her.] Yes, I can.
[A short pause. Bertha withdraws her hand, and turns away her head in some embarrassment.]
Bertha
You said just now that another person is intimate in this house. You meant your cousin . . . Was it he?
Beatrice
Yes.
Bertha
Have you not forgotten him?
Beatrice
[Quietly.] I have tried to.
