ALLMERS. Well, if you had been a boy, you would have been called Eyolf.

ASTA. Yes, if! But when you began to go to college—. [Smiling involuntarily.] I wonder how you could be so childish.

ALLMERS. Was it I that was childish?

ASTA. Yes, indeed, I think it was, as I look back upon it all. You were ashamed of having no brother—only a sister.

ALLMERS. No, no, it was you, dear—you were ashamed.

ASTA. Oh yes, I too, perhaps—a little. And somehow or other I was sorry for you—

ALLMERS. Yes, I believe you were. And then you hunted up some of my old boy's clothes—

ASTA. Your fine Sunday clothes—yes. Do you remember the blue blouse and knickerbockers?

ALLMERS. [His eyes dwelling upon her.] I remember so well how you looked when you used to wear them.

ASTA. Only when we were at home, alone, though.