Bertha
[Caressing her cheek with his hand.] It was lovely, Dick, only I was so sad. I was alone, Dick, forgotten by you and by all. I felt my life was ended.
Richard
It had not begun.
Bertha
And I used to look at the sky, so beautiful, without a cloud and the city you said was so old: and then I used to think of Ireland and about ourselves.
Richard
Ourselves?
Bertha
Yes. Ourselves. Not a day passes that I do not see ourselves, you and me, as we were when we met first. Every day of my life I see that. Was I not true to you all that time?
Richard
[Sighs deeply.] Yes, Bertha. You were my bride in exile.
Bertha
Wherever you go, I will follow you. If you wish to go away now I will go with you.
Richard
I will remain. It is too soon yet to despair.
Bertha
[Again caressing his hand.] It is not true that I want to drive everyone from you. I wanted to bring you close together—you and him. Speak to me. Speak out all your heart to me. What you feel and what you suffer.
Richard
I am wounded, Bertha.
