ALLMERS. And you think she doesn't care very much about him now?
RITA. Not, seriously; not utterly and entirely; not unreservedly—I am sure she doesn't. [Looks searchingly at him.] Would it displease you if she did?
ALLMERS. It would not exactly displease me. But it would certainly be a disquieting thought—
RITA. Disquieting?
ALLMERS. Yes; you must remember that I am responsible for Asta—for her life's happiness.
RITA. Oh, come—responsible! Surely Asta has come to years of discretion? I should say she was capable of choosing for herself.
ALLMERS. Yes, we must hope so, Rita.
RITA. For my part, I don't think at all ill of Borgheim.
ALLMERS. No, dear—no more do I—quite the contrary. But all the same—
RITA. [Continuing.] And I should be very glad indeed if he and Asta were to make a match of it.