Rita.
[With increasing excitement.] Why, for then she would have to go far, far away with him! And she could never come out here to us, as she does now.
Allmers.
[Stares at her in astonishment.] What! Can you really wish Asta to go away?
Rita.
Yes, yes, Alfred!
Allmers.
Why in all the world?
Rita.
[Throwing her arms passionately round his neck.] For then, at last, I should have you to myself alone! And yet—not even then! Not wholly to myself! [Bursts into convulsive weeping.] Oh, Alfred, Alfred—I cannot give you up!
Allmers.
[Gently releasing himself.] My dearest Rita, do be reasonable!
Rita.
I don't care a bit about being reasonable! I care only for you! Only for you in all the world! [Again throwing her arms round his neck.] For you, for you, for you!
Allmers.
Let me go, let me go—you are strangling me!
