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Act III]
133

Richard

[Stands in the doorway, observing her for some moments.] There are demons [he points out towards the strand] out there. I heard them jabbering since dawn.

Beatrice

[Starts to her feet.] Mr Rowan!

Richard

I assure you. The isle is full of voices. Yours also, Otherwise I could not see you, it said. And her voice. But, I assure you, they are all demons. I made the sign of the cross upside down and that silenced them.

Beatrice

[Stammering.] I came here, Mr Rowan, so early because . . . to show you this . . . Robert wrote it . . . about you . . . last night.

Richard

[Takes off his hat.] My dear Miss Justice, you told me yesterday, I think, why you came here and I never forget anything. [Advancing towards her, holding out his hand.] Good morning.

Beatrice

[Suddenly takes off her spectacles and places the paper in his hands.] I came for this. It is an article about you. Robert wrote it last night. Will you read it?

Richard

[Bows.] Read it now? Certainly.

Beatrice

[Looks at him in despair.] O, Mr Rowan, it makes me suffer to look at you.