ALLMERS. [Urgently.] Think what you're saying, Rita. It is your own child—our only child, that you are speaking of.
RITA. The child is only half mine. [With another outburst.] But you shall be mine alone! You shall be wholly mine! That I have a right to demand of you!
ALLMERS. [Shrugging his shoulders.] Oh, my dear Rita, it is of no use demanding anything. Everything must be freely given.
RITA. [Looks anxiously at him.] And that you cannot do henceforth?
ALLMERS. No, I cannot. I must divide myself between Eyolf and you.
RITA. But if Eyolf had never been born? What then?
ALLMERS. [Evasively.] Oh, that would be another matter. Then I should have only you to care for.
RITA. [Softly, her voice quivering.] Then I wish he had never been born.
ALLMERS. [Flashing out.] Rita! You don't know what you are saying!
RITA. [Trembling with emotion.] It was in pain unspeakable that I brought him into the world. But I bore it all with joy and rapture for your sake.