ASTA. Yes, I was sure you would find it go so easily when once you got away.
ALLMERS. So I thought too. But, do you know, I didn't find it so at all. The truth is, I have not written a line of the book.
ASTA. Not a line?
RITA. Oho! I wondered when I found all the paper lying untouched in your bag.
ASTA. But, my dear Alfred, what have you been doing all this time?
ALLMERS. [Smiling.] Only thinking and thinking and thinking.
RITA. [Putting her arm round his neck.] And thinking a little, too, of those you had left at home?
ALLMERS. Yes, you may be sure of that. I have thought a great deal of you—every single day.
RITA. [Taking her arm away.] Ah, that is all I care about.
ASTA. But you haven't even touched the book! And yet you can look so happy and contented! That is not what you generally do—I mean when your work is going badly.