Lona.
Karsten, tell me—what satisfaction does this show and imposture give you?
Bernick.
It gives me none. I must go under, along with the whole of this bungled social system. But a new generation will grow up after us; it is my son that I am working for; it is his life-work that I am laying out for him. There will come a time when truth will find its way into our social order, and upon it he shall found a happier life than his father’s.
Lona.
With a lie for its groundwork? Think what it is you are giving your son for an inheritance.
Bernick.
[With suppressed despair.] I am giving him an inheritance a thousand times worse than you know of. But, sooner or later, the curse must pass away. And yet—and yet——[Vehemently.] How could you bring all this upon my head! But it is done now. I must go on now. You shall not succeed in crushing me!
Hilmar Tönnesen, with an open note in his hand, and much discomposed, enters quickly from the right.
Hilmar.