Robert
[Laughs nervously.] Suspicious to the last!
Richard
Then I may sit down?
Robert
Of course, of course. [They both sit down.] For a few minutes, anyhow. Then we can both go on together. We are not bound for time. Between eight and nine, he said, didn't he? What time is it, I wonder? [Is about to look again at his watch; then stops.] Twenty past eight, yes.
Richard
[Wearily, sadly.] Your appointment also was for the same hour. Here.
Robert
What appointment?
Richard
With Bertha.
Robert
[Stares at him.] Are you mad?
Richard
Are you?
Robert
[After a long pause.] Who told you?
Richard
She.
[A short silence.]
Robert
[In a low voice.] Yes. I must have been mad. [Rapidly.] Listen to me, Richard. It is a great relief to me that you have come—the greatest relief. I assure