(With growing excitement.) But you did not turn him against me-- against his own mother. Because why? Because the child has too much nature in him.

RICHARD

I never tried to do such a thing, Bertha. You know I cannot be severe with a child.

BERTHA

Because you never loved your own mother. A mother is always a mother, no matter what. I never heard of any human being that did not love the mother that brought him into the world, except you.

RICHARD

(Approaching her quietly.) Bertha, do not say things you will be sorry for. Are you not glad my son is fond of me?

BERTHA

Who taught him to be? Who taught him to run to meet you? Who told him you would bring him home toys when you were out on your rambles in the rain, forgetting all about him-- and me? I did. I taught him to love you.

RICHARD

Yes, dear. I know it was you.

BERTHA

(Almost crying.) And then you try to turn everyone against me. All is to be for you. I am to appear false and cruel to everyone except to you. Because you take advantage of my simplicity as you did-- the first time.

RICHARD

(Violently.) And you have the courage to say that to me?

BERTHA

(Facing him.) Yes, I have! Both then and now. Because I am simple you think you can do what you like with me. (Gesticulating.) Follow him now. Call him names. Make him be humble before you and make him despise me. Follow him!

RICHARD

(Controlling himself.) You forget that I have allowed you complete liberty-- and allow you it still.

BERTHA

(Scornfully.) Liberty!

RICHARD

Yes, complete. But he must know that I know. (More calmly.) I will speak to him quietly. (Appealing.) Bertha, believe me, dear! It is not jealousy. You have complete liberty to do as you wish-- you and he. But not in this way. He will not despise you. You don't wish to deceive me or to pretend to deceive me-- with him, do you?

BERTHA

No, I do not. (Looking full at him.) Which of us two is the deceiver?

RICHARD

Of us? You and me?

BERTHA

(In a calm decided tone.) I know why you have allowed me what you call complete liberty.

RICHARD

Why?

BERTHA

To have complete liberty with-- that girl.

RICHARD

(Irritated.) But, good God, you knew about that this long time. I never hid it.

BERTHA

You did. I thought it was a kind of friendship between you-- till we came back, and then I saw.

RICHARD

So it is, Bertha.

BERTHA

(Shakes her head.) No, no. It is much more; and that is why you give me complete liberty. All those things you sit up at night to write about (pointing to the study) in there-- about her. You call that friendship?

RICHARD

Believe me, Bertha dear. Believe me as I believe you.

BERTHA

(With an impulsive gesture) My God, I feel it! I know it! What else is between you but love?

RICHARD

(Calmly.) You are trying to put that idea into my head but I warn you that I don't take my ideas from other people.

BERTHA

(Hotly.) It is, it is! And that is why you allow him to go on.