He said I was like the moon in this lavender dress. (Looking at him.) Had you any words with him-- about me?

RICHARD

(Blandly.) The usual thing. Not about you.

BERTHA

He was very nervous. You saw that?

RICHARD

Yes. I saw it. What else went on?

BERTHA

He asked me to give him my hand.

RICHARD

(Smiling.) In marriage?

BERTHA

(Smiling.) No, only to hold.

RICHARD

Did you?

BERTHA

Yes. (Tearing off a few petals.) Then he caressed my hand and asked would I let him kiss it. I let him.

RICHARD

Well?

BERTHA

Then he asked could he embrace me-- even once? ..and then...

RICHARD

And then?

BERTHA

He put his arm round me.

RICHARD

(Stares at the floor for a moment, then looks at her again.) And then?

BERTHA

He said I had beautiful eyes. And asked could he kiss them. (With a gesture.) I said: Do so.

RICHARD

And he did?

BERTHA

Yes. First one and then the other. (She breaks off suddenly.) Tell me, Dick, does all this disturb you? Because I told you I don't want that. I think you are only pretending you don't mind. I don't mind.

RICHARD

(Quietly.) I know, dear. But I want to find out what he means or feels just as you do.

BERTHA

(Points at him.) Remember, you allowed me to go on. I told you the whole thing from the beginning.

RICHARD

(As before.) I know, dear... And then?

BERTHA

He asked for a kiss. I said: Take it.

RICHARD

And then?

BERTHA

(Crumpling a handful of petals.) He kissed me.

RICHARD

Your mouth?

BERTHA

Once or twice.

RICHARD

Long kisses?

BERTHA

Fairly long. (Reflects.) Yes, the last time.

RICHARD

(Rubs his hands slowly; then:) With his lips? Or... the other way?

BERTHA

Yes, the last time.

RICHARD

Did he ask you to kiss him?

BERTHA

He did.

RICHARD

Did you?

BERTHA

(Hesitates, then looking straight at him.) I did. I kissed him.

RICHARD

What way?

BERTHA

(With a shrug.) O simply.

RICHARD

Were you excited?

BERTHA

Well, you can imagine. (Frowning suddenly.) Not much. He has not nice lips... Still I was excited, of course. But not like with you, Dick.

RICHARD

Was he?

BERTHA

Excited? Yes, I think he was. He sighed. He was dreadfully nervous.

RICHARD

(Resting his forehead on his hand.) I see.

BERTHA

(Crosses towards the lounge and stands near him.) Are you jealous?

RICHARD

(As before.) No.

BERTHA

(Quietly.) You are, Dick.

RICHARD

I am not. Jealous of what?

BERTHA

Because he kissed me.

RICHARD

(Looks up.) Is that all?

BERTHA

Yes, that's all. Except that he asked me would I meet him.

RICHARD

Out somewhere?

BERTHA

No. In his house.

RICHARD

(Surprised.) Over there with his mother, is it?

BERTHA

No, a house he has.