ALLMERS. [Looking helplessly at her.] Yes, don't you think it will?—But how I am to get over these terrible first days [Hoarsely.]—that is what I cannot imagine.
ASTA. [Imploringly, laying her hands on his shoulders.] Go up to Rita. Oh, please do—
ALLMERS. [Vehemently, withdrawing from her.] No, no, no—don't talk to me of that! I cannot, I tell you. [More calmly.] Let me remain here, with you.
ASTA. Well, I will not leave you.
ALLMERS. [Seizing her hand and holding it fast.] Thank you for that! [Looks out for a time over the fiord.] Where is my little Eyolf now? [Smiling sadly to her.] Can you tell me that my big, wise Eyolf? [Shaking his head.] No one in all the world can tell me that. I know only this one terrible thing—that he is gone from me.
ASTA. [Looking up to the left, and withdrawing her hand.] Here they are coming.
[MRS. ALLMERS and Engineer BORGHEIM come down by the wood-path, she leading the way. She wears a dark dress and a black veil over her head. He has an umbrella under his arm.]
ALLMERS. [Going to meet her.] How is it with you, Rita?
RITA. [Passing him.] Oh, don't ask.
ALLMERS. Why do you come here?