Act 2; Pt 1 (Berte)

Question 1

They pitch up from the provinces, totally out of their depth

Answer 1

Bernard libeling!

Berte!

Question 2

Oh, Gretchen, you’re here already

Answer 2

Ja I came as fast as I could. If only you knew how happy I am to be home

Question 3

I can see that

Answer 3

Herr Bernard isn’t in?

Question 4

No, no. He’s gone out- on business

Answer 4

Oh!

Question 5

But he’ll be back in a minute

Answer 5

Are you sure?

Question 6

…He went out just before you telephoned

Answer 6

And is he happy?

Question 7

He’s marvelously happy. You know how he looks forward to seeing you

Answer 7

Do you think he loves me as much as I love him?

Question 8

…How can I know a thing like that?

Answer 8

Doesn’t he talk about me when I’m not here?

Question 9

…if I don’t know how much you love him

Answer 9

But Berte Darling, you know I adore him

Question 10

Well that’s all right then. He adores you too.

Answer 10

And I’ve got three whole days this time. Isn’t that wunderbar?

Question 11

wunderbar

Answer 11

Here Bernard will be pleased

Question 12

I can’t wait to see his face.

Answer 12

You can’t realize how marvelous it is to be back. It seems ages since I’ve seen him. Though I think of him all the time. In Melbourne, in Ankara, in Colombo. I am always dreaming of our little flat and my little Bernard sitting here all alone thinking of me

Question 13

It’s beautiful

Answer 13

And when were about 19 or 20,000 feet running away at 600 miles an hour and if I have nothing special to do, do you know I creep back into the luggage hold.

Question 14

Good heavens above

Answer 14

I’m all alone there, you see. And I look out of the porthole and stare at the stars dancing and the moon out there in the sky. And I say to myself that my Bernard is looking at them too. And I feel as though we are looking into each others eyes across the layers of planets and meteorites and the nebulae. Im madly romantic, you see.

Question 15

I can see that you are, madly

Answer 15

And does he do that too?

Question 16

Do what?

Answer 16

Stare at the moon while I’m away

Question 17

Oh I’m sure he gives it a glance now and then. Mind you I’m not always there when he’s doing it

Answer 17

No. I suppose he prefers to keep it a secret.

Question 18

And I should hope so. I mean life is complicated enough without dragging in the nebulae.

Answer 18

But you understand these things, don’t you Berta? I always like talking to you. You know about life. You’re a woman.

Question 19

………..And what we know we must keep to ourselves – we never say anything. Mind you very few people ever ask us.

Answer 19

Nein, You are something very special, Berta

Question 20

Do you think so?

Answer 20

I am certain. You’re the virgin in the legend of the grail in the story of the Nibelungen

Question 21

Well I’ve been called worse

Answer 21

You’re a guardian. You keep me alive in Bernards thoughts. You keep the flame of love burning in his heart!

Question 22

I do?

Answer 22

You’re like me – capable of great passion

Question 23

It’s very nice of you to say so

Answer 23

I love him so much! Every time I come home I seem to love him more and every time I go it just tears me to tiny pieces

Question 24

You’re very intense, aren’t you?

Answer 24

I’m worse than that – I’m passionate itself.

Question 25

Don’t get yourself into a state. Save your passions for Monsieur Bernard. He’ll be back soon

Answer 25

Ja, ja. You’re right. Oh no, I have forgotten to buy cigarettes. Would you, could you, would you?

Question 26

Straight away, I’ll be back in 5 mins

Answer 26

You’re a darling Berta. I’ll get settled in while I’m waiting. I am mad with happiness, Berta, mad with happiness!