RITA. Our hands were closed to them. And our hearts too.
ALLMERS. [Nods.] Then it was perhaps natural enough, after all, that they should not risk their lives to save little Eyolf.
RITA. [Softly.] Think, Alfred! Are you so certain that—that we would have risked ours?
ALLMERS. [With an uneasy gesture of repulsion.] You must never doubt that.
RITA. Oh, we are children of earth.
ALLMERS. What do you really think you can do with all these neglected children?
RITA. I suppose I must try if I cannot lighten and—and ennoble their lot in life.
ALLMERS. If you can do that—then Eyolf was not born in vain.
RITA. Nor taken from us in vain, either.
ALLMERS. [Looking steadfastly at her.] Be quite clear about one thing, Rita—it is not love that is driving you to this.