Bertha
[Crumples together the paper in her hands, breathlessly.] My God! What is it? Tell me.
Beatrice
[Observing her.] Why does that upset you so much?
Bertha
[Sinking back, with a forced laugh.] Yes, of course, it is very foolish of me. My nerves are all upset. I slept very badly, too. That is why I got up so early. But tell me what was it then?
Beatrice
Only the noise of his valise being pulled along the floor. Then I heard him walking about his room, whistling softly. And then locking it and strapping it.
Bertha
He is going away!
Beatrice
That was what alarmed me. I feared he had had a quarrel with Mr Rowan and that his article was an attack.
Bertha
But why should they quarrel? Have you noticed anything between them?
Beatrice
I thought I did. A coldness.
Bertha
Lately?
Beatrice
For some time past.
