Bertha
[Proudly.] Whenever you like I am ready.
Richard
So that you could meet your lover—freely?
Bertha
Yes.
Richard
Night after night?
Bertha
[Gazing before her and speaking with intense passion.] To meet my lover! [Holding out her arms before her.] My lover! Yes! My lover!
[She bursts suddenly into tears and sinks down on a chair, covering her face with her hands. Richard approaches her slowly and touches her on the shoulder.]
Richard
Bertha! [She does not answer.] Bertha, you are free.
Bertha
[Pushes his hand aside and starts to her feet.] Don't touch me! You are a stranger to me. You do not understand anything in me—not one thing in my heart or soul. A stranger! I am living with a stranger!
[A knock is heard at the halldoor. Bertha dries her eyes quickly with her handkerchief and settles the front of her gown. Richard listens for a moment, looks at her keenly and, turning away, walks into his study. Robert Hand enters from the left. He is dressed in dark brown and carries in his hand a brown Alpine hat.]
