Act I]
35
Robert
To my house. Not my mother's over there. I will write the address for you. Will you come?
Bertha
When?
Robert
Tonight. Between eight and nine. Come. I will wait for you tonight. And every night. You will?
[He kisses her with passion, holding her head between his hands. After a few instants she breaks from him. He sits down.]
Bertha
[Listening.] The gate opened.
Robert
[Intensely.] I will wait for you.
[He takes the slip from the table. Bertha moves away from him slowly. Richard comes in from the garden.]
Richard
[Advancing, takes off his hat.] Good afternoon.
Robert
[Rises, with nervous friendliness.] Good afternoon, Richard.
Bertha
[At the table, taking the roses.] Look what lovely roses Mr Hand brought me.
Robert
I am afraid they are overblown.
Richard
[Suddenly.] Excuse me for a moment, will you?