Asta.

[Looks imploringly up at him.] Oh, Alfred, don’t say such things!

Allmers.

Why, you can reckon it out for yourself—you that are so clever. In eight-and-twenty hours—nine-and-twenty hours——Let me see——! Let me see——!

Asta.

[Shrieking and stopping her ears.] Alfred!

Allmers.

[Clenching his hand firmly upon the table.] Can you conceive the meaning of a thing like this?

Asta.

[Looks at him.] Of what?