RITA. [With a smile.] Do you think you can live up to such high resolves at home here?
ALLMERS. [Taking her hand.] With you to help me, I can. [Holds out the other hand.] And with you too, Asta.
RITA. [Drawing her hand away.] Ah—with both of us! So, after all, you can divide yourself.
ALLMERS. Why, my dearest Rita—!
[RITA moves away from him and stands in the garden doorway. A light and rapid knock is heard at the door on the right. Engineer BORGHEIM enters quickly. He is a young man of a little over thirty. His expression is bright and cheerful, and he holds himself erect.]
BORGHEIM. Good morning, Mrs. Allmers. [Stops with an expression of pleasure on seeing ALLMERS.] Why, what's this? Home again already, Mr. Allmers?
ALLMERS. [Shaking hands with him.] Yes, I arrived list night.
RITA. [Gaily.] His leave was up, Mr. Borgheim.
ALLMERS. No, you know it wasn't, Rita—
RITA. [Approaching.] Oh yes, but it was, though. His furlough had run out.