Act 2 - Page 2

ROBERTOf 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.

ROBERTWhat appointment?

RICHARDWith Bertha.

ROBERT(Stares at him.) Are you mad?

RICHARDAre you?

ROBERT(After a long pause.) Who told you?

RICHARDShe.

(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 you that ever since this afternoon I have thought and thought how I could break it off without seeming a fool. A great relief! I even intended to send word... a letter, a few lines. (Suddenly.) But then it was too late... (Passes his hand over his forehead.) Let me speak frankly with you; let me tell you everything.

RICHARDI know everything. I have known for some time.

ROBERTSince when?

RICHARDSince it began between you and her.

ROBERT(Again rapidly.) Yes, I was mad. But it was merely lightheadedness. I admit that to have asked her here this evening was a mistake. I can explain everything to you. And I will. Truly.

RICHARDExplain to me what is the word you longed and never dared to say to her. If you can or will.

ROBERT(Looks down, then raises his head.) Yes. I will. I admire very much the personality of your... of... your wife. That is the word. I can say it. It is no secret.

RICHARDThen why did you wish to keep secret your wooing?

ROBERTWooing?

RICHARDYour advances to her, little by little, day after day, looks, whispers. (With a nervous movement of the hands.) Insomma, wooing.

ROBERT(Bewildered.) But how do you know all this?

RICHARDShe told me.

ROBERTThis afternoon?

RICHARDNo. Time after time, as it happened.

ROBERTYou knew? From her? (Richard nods.). You were watching us all the time?

RICHARD(Very coldly.) I was watching you.

ROBERT(Quickly.) I mean, watching me. And you never spoke! You had only to speak a word-- to save me from myself. You were trying me. (Passes his hand again over his forehead.) It was a terrible trial: now also. (Desperately.) Well, it is past. It will be a lesson to me for all my life. You hate me now for what I have done and for...

RICHARD(Quietly, looking at him.) Have I said that I hate you?

ROBERTDo you not? You must.

RICHARDEven if Bertha had not told me I should have known. Did you not see that when I came in this afternoon I went into my study suddenly for a moment?

ROBERTYou did. I remember.

RICHARDTo give you time