ACT SECOND
A little narrow glen by the side of the fiord, on Allmers's property. On the left, lofty old trees overarch the spot. Down the slope in the background a brook comes leaping, and loses itself among the stones on the margin of the wood. A path winds along by the brook-side. To the right there are only a few single trees, between which the fiord is visible. In front is seen the corner of a boat-shed with a boat drawn up. Under the old trees on the left stands a table with a bench and one or two chairs, all made of thin birch-staves. It is a heavy, damp day, with driving mist-wreaths.
Alfred Allmers, dressed as before, sits on the bench, leaning his arms on the table. His hat lies before him. He gazes absently and immovably out over the water.
Presently Asta Allmers comes down the wood-path. She is carrying an open umbrella.
Asta.
[Goes quietly and cautiously up to him.] You ought not to sit down here in this gloomy weather, Alfred.
