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II]

I told him you were sincere with him.

He does not believe it. Nobody would believe it. I should have told him first—not you.

I thought he was a common robber, prepared to use even violence against you. I had to protect you from that.

That I could have done myself.

Are you sure?

It would have been enough to have told him that you knew I was here. Now I can find out nothing. He hates me. He is right to hate me. I have treated him badly, shamefully.

[Takes her hand.] Bertha, look at me.

[Turns to him.] Well?

[Gazes into her eyes and then lets her hand fall.] I cannot read in your heart either.

[Still looking at him.] You could not remain away. Do you not trust me? You can see I am quite calm. I could have hidden it all from you.

I doubt that.