ROBERT. I fear you. [_Clasping his hands at his back, quietly but a little defiantly._] I fear a new torture—a new trap. BERTHA. [_As before._] For what do you blame me? ROBERT. [_Comes forward a few steps, halts: then impulsively:_] Why did you lead me on? Day after day, more and more. Why did you not stop me? You could have—with a word. But not even a word! I forgot myself and him. You saw it. That I was ruining myself in his eyes, losing his friendship. Did you want me to? BERTHA. [_Looking up._] You never asked me. ROBERT. Asked you what? BERTHA. If he suspected—or knew. ROBERT. And would you have told me? BERTHA. Yes. ROBERT. [_Hesitatingly._] Did you tell him—everything? BERTHA. I did. ROBERT. I mean—details. BERTHA. Everything. ROBERT. [_With a forced smile._] I see. You were making an experiment for his sake. On me. Well, why not? It seems I was a good subject. Still, it was a little cruel of you. BERTHA. Try to understand me, Robert. You must try. ROBERT. [_With a polite gesture._] Well, I will try. BERTHA. Why do you stand like that near the door? It makes me nervous to look at you. ROBERT. I am trying to understand. And then I am afraid. BERTHA. [_Holds out her hand._] You need not be afraid. [_Robert comes towards her quickly and takes her hand._] ROBERT. [_Diffidently._] Used you to laugh over me—together? [_Drawing his hand away._] But now I must be good or you may laugh over me again—tonight. BERTHA. [_Distressed, lays her hand on his arm._] Please listen to me, Robert... But you are all wet, drenched! [_She passes her hands over his coat._] O, you poor fellow! Out there in the rain all that time! I forgot that. ROBERT. [_Laughs._] Yes, you forgot the climate. BERTHA. But you are really drenched. You must change your coat. ROBERT. [_Takes her hands._] Tell me, it is pity then that you feel for me, as he—as Richard—says? BERTHA. Please change your coat, Robert, when I ask you. You might get a very bad cold from that. Do, please. ROBERT. What would it matter now? BERTHA. [_Looking round her._] Where do you keep your clothes here? ROBERT. [_Points to the door at the back._] In there. I fancy I have a jacket here. [_Maliciously._] In my bedroom. BERTHA. Well, go in and take that off. ROBERT. And you? BERTHA. I will wait here for you. ROBERT. Do you command me to? BERTHA. [_Laughing._] Yes, I command you. ROBERT. [_Promptly._] Then I will. [_He goes quickly towards the bedroom door; then turns round._] You won’t go away? BERTHA. No, I will wait. But don’t be long. ROBERT. Only a moment. [_He goes into the bedroom, leaving the door open. Bertha looks curiously about her and then glances in indecision towards the door at the back._] ROBERT. [_From the bedroom._] You have not gone? BERTHA. No. ROBERT. I am in the dark here. I must light the lamp.