Page:Playinthreexiles00joycrich.djvu/17

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Act I]
7

Richard

Why, then?

Beatrice

Otherwise I could not see you.
[She looks at him for a moment and then turns aside quickly.]

Richard

[After a pause repeats uncertainly.] Otherwise you could not see me?

Beatrice

[Suddenly confused.] I had better go. They are not coming back. [Rising.] Mr Rowan, I must go.

Richard

[Extending his arms.] But you are running away. Remain. Tell me what your words mean. Are you afraid of me?

Beatrice

[Sinks back again.] Afraid? No.

Richard

Have you confidence in me? Do you feel that you know me?

Beatrice

[Again shyly.] It is hard to know anyone but oneself.

Richard

Hard to know me? I sent you from Rome the chapters of my book as I wrote them; and letters for nine long years. Well, eight years.

Beatrice

Yes, it was nearly a year before your first letter came.