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 THIRD ACT

''The drawingroom of Richard Rowan's house at Merrion. The folding doors at the right are closed and also the double doors leading to the garden. The green flush curtains are drawn across the window on the left. The room is half dark. It is early in the morning of the next day. Bertha sits beside the window, looking out between the curtains. She wears a loose saffron dressing gown. Her hair is combed loosely over the ears and knotted at the neck. Her hands are folded in her lap. Her face is pale and drawn.''

Merciful hour, ma'am. You put the heart across me. Why did you get up so early?

What time is it?

After seven, ma'am. Are you long up?

Some time.

[Approaching her.] Had you a bad dream that woke you?