RITA. And no consolation anywhere—in anything.
ALLMERS. [With sudden passion.] You are the guilty one in this!
RITA. [Rising.] I!
ALLMERS. Yes, you! It was your fault that he became—what he was! It was your fault that he could not save himself when he fell into the water.
RITA. [With a gesture of repulsion.] Alfred—you shall not throw the blame upon me!
ALLMERS. [More and more beside himself.] Yes, yes, I do! It was you that left the helpless child unwatched upon the table.
RITA. He was lying so comfortably among the cushions, and sleeping so soundly. And you had promised to look after him.
ALLMERS. Yes, I had. [Lowering his voice.] But then you came—you, you, you—and lured me to you.
RITA. [Looking defiantly at him.] Oh, better own at once that you forgot the child and everything else.
ALLMERS. [In suppressed desperation.] Yes, that is true. [Lower.] I forgot the child—in your arms!