52
[Act I
Richard
No.
Archie
Knives? Have they knives?
Richard
[Sternly.] Yes, yes. Knives and revolvers.
Archie
[Disengages himself.] Ask mamma now. She is coming.
Richard
[Makes a movement to rise.] I will.
Archie
No, sit there, pappie. You wait and ask her when she comes back. I won't be here. I'll be in the garden.
Richard
[Sinking back again.] Yes. Go.
Archie
[Kisses him swiftly.] Thanks.
[He runs out quickly by the door at the back leading into the garden. Bertha enters by the door on the left. She approaches the table and stands beside it, fingering the petals of the roses, looking at Richard.]
Richard
[Watching her.] Well?
Bertha
[Absently.] Well. He says he likes me.
Richard
[Leans his chin on his hand.] You showed him his note?
