RITA. His aunt.
ALLMERS. Asta?
RITA. Yes. Asta stood and barred the way for me.
ALLMERS. Can you say that, Rita?
RITA. Yes. Asta—she took him to her heart—from the moment that happened—that miserable fall.
ALLMERS. If she did so, she did it in love.
RITA. [Vehemently.] That is just it! I cannot endure to share anything with anyone! Not in love.
ALLMERS. We two should have shared him between us in love.
RITA. [Looking scornfully at him.] We? Oh, the truth is you have never had any real love for him either.
ALLMERS. [Looks at her in astonishment.] I have not—!