Lona: I did not come back here to betray you, but to stir your conscience so that you should speak of your own free will. I did not succeed in doing that--so you must remain as you are, with your life founded upon a lie. Look, I am tearing your two letters in pieces. Take the wretched things--there you are. Now there is no evidence against you, Karsten. You are safe now; be happy, too--if you can.
Bernick (much moved): Lona--why did you not do that sooner! Now it is too late; life no longer seems good to me; I cannot live on after today.
Lona: What has happened?
Bernick: Do not ask me--But I must live on, nevertheless! I will live--for Olaf's sake. He shall make amends for everything--expiate everything.
Lona: Karsten--! (HILMAR comes hurriedly back.)
Hilmar: I cannot find anyone; they are all out--even Betty!
Bernick: What is the matter with you?
Hilmar: I daren't tell you.
Bernick: What is it? You must tell me!
Hilmar: Very well--Olaf has run away, on board the "Indian Girl."