Robert
That I have a deep liking for you.
[A short pause. The piano is heard faintly from the upper room.]
Robert
[Takes the bunch of roses from the chair.] I brought these for you. Will you take them from me?
Bertha
[Taking them.] Thank you. [She lays them on the table and unfolds the paper again.] Why did you not dare to say it last night?
Robert
I could not speak to you or follow you. There were too many people on the lawn. I wanted you to think over it and so I put it into your hand when you were going away.
Bertha
Now you have dared to say it.
Robert
[Moves his hands slowly past his eyes.] You passed. The avenue was dim with dusky light. I could see the dark green masses of the trees. And you passed beyond them. You were like the moon.
Bertha
[Laughs.] Why like the moon?
Robert
In that dress, with your slim body, walking with little even steps. I saw the moon passing in the dusk till you passed and left my sight.