Asta.
But, Alfred, why should she?
Allmers.
Yes, that is just the question! Why should she? There is no retribution behind it all—no atonement, I mean. Eyolf never did her any harm. He never called names after her; he never threw stones at her dog. Why, he had never set eyes either on her or her dog till yesterday. So there is no retribution; the whole thing is utterly groundless and meaningless, Asta.—And yet the order of the world requires it.
Asta.
Have you spoken to Rita of these things?
Allmers.
[Shakes his head.] I feel as if I can talk better to you about them. [Drawing a deep breath.] And about everything else as well. [Asta takes sewing-materials and a little paper parcel out of her pocket. Allmers sits looking on absently.
Allmers.
What have you got there, Asta?
Asta.
[Taking his hat.] Some black crape.
Allmers.
Oh, what is the use of that?
