despise me, too, like the rest of them—now. And you can despise me. But you will never humble me, any of you.
Beatrice
Why do you accuse me?
Bertha
[Going to her impulsively.] I am in such suffering. Excuse me if I was rude. I want us to be friends. [She holds out her hands.] Will you?
Beatrice
[Taking her hands.] Gladly.
Bertha
[Looking at her.] What lovely long eyelashes you have! And your eyes have such a sad expression!
Beatrice
[Smiling.] I see very little with them. They are very weak.
Bertha
[Warmly.] But beautiful.
[She embraces her quietly and kisses her. Then withdraws from her a little shyly. Brigid comes in from the left.]
Brigid
I gave it to himself, ma'am.
Bertha
Did he send a message?
Brigid
He was just going out, ma'am. He told me to say he'd be here after me.
Bertha
Thanks.
