ALLMERS. But only in to town, Asta. Do you hear!
ASTA. Yes.
ALLMERS. And you must promise me that you will soon come out again.
ASTA. [Quickly.] No, no, I dare not promise you that, for the present.
ALLMERS. Well as you will. We shall soon meet in town, then.
ASTA. [Imploringly.] But, Alfred, you must stay at home here with Rita now.
ALLMERS. [Without answering, turns to BORGHEIM.] You may find it a good thing, after all, that you have to take your journey alone.
BORGHEIM. [Annoyed.] Oh, how can you say such a thing?
ALLMERS. You see, you can never tell whom you might happen to meet afterwards—on the way.
ASTA. [Involuntarily.] Alfred!