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Rita.
[With sparkling eyes.] But if you disdain me!
Allmers.
Disdain! I don't understand what you mean!
Rita.
Oh, you don't know all that might rise up within me, if
Allmers.
If?
Rita.
If I should ever see that you did not care for me—that you did not love me as you used to.
Allmers.
But, my dearest Rita—years bring a certain change with them—and that must one day occur even in us—as in every one else.
Rita.
Never in me! And I will not hear of any change in you either—I could not bear it, Alfred. I want to keep you to myself alone.
Allmers.
[Looking at her with concern.] You have a terribly jealous nature
Rita.
I can't make myself different from what I am. [Threateningly.] If you go and divide yourself between me and any one else
