RITA. [Looks intently at him.] When you are gone?
ALLMERS. Yes. For that will at least give you something to fill your life with—and something you must have.
RITA. [Firmly and decidedly.] There you are right—-I must. But can you guess what I will set about—when you are gone?
ALLMERS. Well, what?
RITA. [Slowly and with resolution.] As soon as you are gone from me, I will go down to the beach, and bring all the poor neglected children home with me. All the mischievous boys—
ALLMERS. What will you do with them here?
RITA. I will take them to my heart.
ALLMERS. You!
RITA. Yes, I will. From the day you leave me, they shall all be here, all of them, as if they were mine.
ALLMERS. [Shocked.] In our little Eyolf's place!