[Bertha goes to the door of Richard's study and knocks. There is no answer. She knocks again.]
Bertha
Dick! [There is no answer.] Mr Hand is here. He wants to speak to you, to say goodbye. He is going away. [There is no answer. She beats her hand loudly on the panel of the door and calls in an alarmed voice.] Dick! Answer me!
[Richard Rowan comes in from the study. He comes at once to Robert but does not hold out his hand.]
Richard
[Calmly.] I thank you for your kind article about me. Is it true that you have come to say goodbye?
Robert
There is nothing to thank me for, Richard. Now and always I am your friend. Now more than ever before. Do you believe me, Richard?
[Richard sits down on a chair and buries his face in his hands. Bertha and Robert gaze at each other in silence. Then she turns away and goes out quietly on the right. Robert goes towards Richard and stands near him, resting his hands on the back of a chair, looking down at him. There is a long silence. A Fishwoman is heard crying out as she passes along the road outside.]
The Fishwoman
Fresh Dublin bay herrings! Fresh Dublin bay herrings! Dublin bay herrings!
Robert
[Quietly.] I will tell you the truth, Richard. Are you listening?
