ALLMERS. Well?
RITA. I will go and throw myself away—
ALLMERS. Throw yourself away, do you say?
RITA. Yes, that I will. I'll throw myself straight into the arms of—of the first man that comes in my way—
ALLMERS. [Looking tenderly at her and shaking his head.] That you will never do—my loyal, proud, true-hearted Rita!
RITA. [Putting her arms round his neck.] Oh, you don't know what I might come to be if you—if you did not love me any more.
ALLMERS. Did not love you, Rita? How can you say such a thing!
RITA. [Half laughing, lets him go.] Why should I not spread my nets for that—that road-maker man that hangs about here?
ALLMERS. [Relieved.] Oh, thank goodness—you are only joking.
RITA. Not at all. He would do as well as anyone else.