Lona.
Then why not break with all this falsehood and hollowness?
Bernick.
Now? It is too late now, Lona.
Lona.
Karsten, tell me—what satisfaction does this show and imposture give you?
Bernick.
It gives me none. I must go under, along with the whole of this bungled social system. But a new generation will grow up after us; it is my son that I am working for; it is his life-work that I am laying out for him. There will come a time when truth will find its way into our social order, and upon it he shall found a happier life than his father's.
Lona.
With a lie for its groundwork? Think what it is you are giving your son for an inheritance.
Bernick.
[With suppressed despair.] I am giving him an inheritance a thousand times worse than you know of. But, sooner or later, the curse must pass away. And yet—and yet[Vehemently.] How could you bring all this upon my head! But it is done now. I must go on now. You shall not succeed in crushing me!
Hilmar Tönnesen, with an open note in his hand, and much discomposed, enters quickly from the right.
Hilmar.
Why, this isBetty, Betty!
