Act I]
53
Bertha
Yes. I asked him what it meant.
Richard
What did he say it meant?
Bertha
He said I must know. I said I had an idea. Then he told me he liked me very much. That I was beautiful—and all that.
Richard
Since when!
Bertha
[Again absently.] Since when—what?
Richard
Since when did he say he liked you?
Bertha
Always, he said. But more since we came back. He said I was like the moon in this lavender dress. [Looking at him.] Had you any words with him—about me?
Richard
[Blandly.] The usual thing. Not about you.
Bertha
He was very nervous. You saw that?
Richard
Yes. I saw it. What else went on?
Bertha
He asked me to give him my hand.
Richard
[Smiling.] In marriage?
