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II]

[Laughs nervously.] Suspicious to the last!

Then I may sit down?

Of course, of course. [They both sit down.] For a few minutes, anyhow. Then we can both go on together. We are not bound for time. Between eight and nine, he said, didn't he? What time is it, I wonder? [Is about to look again at his watch; then stops.] Twenty past eight, yes.

[Wearily, sadly.] Your appointment also was for the same hour. Here.

What appointment?

With Bertha.

[Stares at him.] Are you mad?

Are you?

[After a long pause.] Who told you?

She.

[In a low voice.] Yes. I must have been mad. [Rapidly.] Listen to me, Richard. It is a great relief to me that you have come—the greatest relief. I assure