Allmers.

That was not what I wanted. I wanted to make a happy human being of him.—That, and nothing more.

Rita.

But not out of love for him. Look into yourself! [With a certain shyness of expression.] Search out all that lies under—and behind your action.

Allmers.

[Avoiding her eyes.] There is something you shrink from saying.

Rita.

And you too.

Allmers.

[Looks thoughtfully at her.] If it is as you say, then we two have never really possessed our own child.