Rita.
I felt almost sick while she was in the room.
Allmers.
However, I can very well understand the sort of spellbound fascination that she talked about. The loneliness of the mountain-peaks and of the great waste places has something of the same magic about it.
Asta.
[Looks attentively at him.] What is it that has happened to you, Alfred?
Allmers.
[Smiling.] To me?
Asta.
Yes, something has happened—something seems almost to have transformed you. Rita noticed it too.
Rita.
Yes, I saw it the moment you came. A change for the better, I hope, Alfred?
Allmers.
It <g>ought</g> to be for the better. And it must and shall come to good.
Rita.
[With an outburst.] You have had some adventure on your journey! Don't deny it! I can see it in your face!
