BORGHEIM. No, unfortunately that will be out of my power for a very long time.
ALLMERS. Indeed! How so?
BORGHEIM. The fact is, I have got a big piece of new work that I must set about at once.
ALLMERS. Have you indeed?—[Pressing his hand.]—I am heartily glad to hear it.
RITA. I congratulate you, Mr. Borgheim!
BORGHEIM. Hush, hush—I really ought not to talk openly of it as yet! But I can't help coming out with it! It is a great piece of road-making—up in the north—with mountain ranges to cross, and the most tremendous difficulties to overcome!—[With an outburst of gladness.]—Oh, what a glorious world this is—and what a joy it is to be a road-maker in it!
RITA. [Smiling, and looking teasingly at him.] Is it road-making business that has brought you out here to-day in such wild spirits?
BORGHEIM. No, not that alone. I am thinking of all the bright and hopeful prospects that are opening out before me.
RITA. Aha, then perhaps you have something still more exquisite in reserve!
BORGHEIM. [Glancing towards ASTA.] Who knows! When once happiness comes to us, it is apt to come like a spring flood. [Turns to ASTA.] Miss Allmers, would you not like to take a little walk with me? As we used to?