Act I]
59
Bertha
Very.
Richard
Did he ask you had I any suspicion?
Bertha
No.
Richard
Did he mention my name?
Bertha
No.
Richard
Not once?
Bertha
Not that I remember.
Richard
[Bounding to his feet.] O yes! Quite clear!
Bertha
What?
Richard
[Striding to and fro.] A liar, a thief, and a fool! Quite clear! A common thief! What else? [With a harsh laugh.] My great friend! A patriot too! A thief—nothing else! [He halts, thrusting his hands into his pockets.] But a fool also!
Bertha
[Looking at him.] What are you going to do?
Richard
[Shortly.] Follow him. Find him. Tell him. [Calmly.] A few words will do. Thief and fool.
Bertha
[Flings the slip on the couch.] I see it all!
