Bernick: It brings me none. I must disappear someday, and all this community of bunglers with me. But a generation is growing up that will follow us; it is my son that I work for--I am providing a career for him. There will come a time when truth will enter into the life of the community, and on that foundation he shall build up a happier existence than his father.
Lona: With a lie at the bottom of it all? Consider what sort of an inheritance it is that you are leaving to your son.
Bernick (in tones of suppressed despair): It is a thousand times worse than you think. But surely some day the curse must be lifted; and yet--nevertheless--. (Vehemently.) How could I bring all this upon my own head! Still, it is done now; I must go on with it now. You shall not succeed in crushing me! (HILMAR comes in hurriedly and agitatedly from the right, with an open letter in his hand.)
Hilmar: But this is--Betty, Betty.
Bernick: What is the matter? Are they coming already?
Hilmar: No, no--but I must speak to some one immediately. (Goes out through the farther door on the left.)
Lona: Karsten, you talk about our having come here to crush you. So let me tell you what sort of stuff this prodigal son, whom your moral community shuns as if he had the plague, is made of. He can do without any of you--for he is away now.
Bernick: But he said he meant to come back
Lona: Johan will never come back. He is gone for good, and Dina with him.
Bernick: Never come back?--and Dina with him?