ALLMERS. The right fellow-traveller—when it is too late—too late.
ASTA. [Softly, quivering.] Alfred! Alfred!
BORGHEIM. [Looking front one to the other.] What is the meaning of this? I don't understand—
[RITA comes up from the left at the back.]
RITA. [Plaintively.] Oh, don't go away from me, all of you!
ASTA. [Going towards her.] You said you preferred to be alone.
RITA. Yes, but I dare not. It is getting so horribly dark. I seem to see great, open eyes fixed upon me!
ASTA. [Tenderly and sympathetically.] What if it were so, Rita? You ought not to be afraid of those eyes.
RITA. How can you say so! Not afraid!
ALLMERS. [Insistently.] Asta, I beg you—for Heaven's sake—remain here with Rita!