ALLMERS. [With surprise.] Alone!
BORGHEIM. Utterly alone.
ALLMERS. [Absently.] Indeed?
BORGHEIM. And I shall have to remain alone, too.
ALLMERS. There is something horrible in being alone. The thought of it runs like ice through my blood—
ASTA. Oh, but, Alfred, you are not alone.
ALLMERS. There may be something horrible in that too, Asta.
ASTA. [Oppressed.] Oh, don't talk like that! Don't think like that!
ALLMERS. [Not listening to her.] But since you are not going with him—? Since there is nothing to bind you—? Why will you not remain out here with me—and with Rita?
ASTA. [Uneasily.] No, no, I cannot. I must go back to town now.