RITA. That I can understand. How was it, then, that I won you after all?
ALLMERS. [In a low voice.] You were so entrancingly beautiful, Rita.
RITA. [Looks searchingly at him.] Then that was the only reason? Say it, Alfred! The only reason?
ALLMERS. [Conquering himself.] No, there was another as well.
RITA. [With an outburst.] I can guess what that was! It was "my gold, and my green forests," as you call it. Was it not so, Alfred?
ALLMERS. Yes.
RITA. [Looks at him with deep reproach.] How could you—how could you!
ALLMERS. I had Asta to think of.
RITA. [Angrily.] Yes, Asta! [Bitterly.] Then it was really Asta that brought us two together?
ALLMERS. She knew nothing about it. She has no suspicion of it, even to this day.