Allmers.
She has drawn him down into the depths—that you may be sure of, dear.
Asta.
But, Alfred, why should she?
Allmers.
Yes, that is just the question! Why should she? There is no retribution behind it all—no atonement, I mean. Eyolf never did her any harm. He never called names after her; he never threw stones at her dog. Why, he had never set eyes either on her or her dog till yesterday. So there is no retribution; the whole thing is utterly groundless and meaningless, Asta.—And yet the order of the world requires it.
Asta.
Have you spoken to Rita of these things?
Allmers.
[Shakes his head.] I feel as if I can talk better to you about them. [Drawing a deep breath.] And about everything else as well.