[With an outburst.] I can guess what that was! It was “my gold, and my green forests,” as you call it. Was it not so, Alfred?

Allmers.

Yes.

Rita.

[Looks at him with deep reproach.] How could you—how could you!

Allmers.

I had Asta to think of.

Rita.

[Angrily.] Yes, Asta! [Bitterly.] Then it was really Asta that brought us two together?

Allmers.