Richard
[Looks away again; in a lower voice.] That is what I must tell you too. Because in the very core of my ignoble heart I longed to be betrayed by you and by her—in the dark, in the night—secretly, meanly, craftily. By you, my best friend, and by her. I longed for that passionately and ignobly, to be dishonoured for ever in love and in lust, to be . . .
Robert
[Bending down, places his hands over Richard's mouth.] Enough. Enough. [He takes his hands away.] But no. Go on.
Richard
To be for ever a shameful creature and to build up my soul again out of the ruins of its shame.
Robert
And that is why you wished that she . . .
Richard
[With calm.] She has spoken always of her innocence, as I have spoken always of my guilt, humbling me.
Robert
From pride, then?
Richard
From pride and from ignoble longing. And from a motive deeper still.
Robert
[With decision.] I understand you.
[He returns to his place and begins to speak at once, drawing his chair closer.]
Robert
May it not be that we are here and now in the presence