Asta.

[Tenderly and sympathetically.] What if it were so, Rita? You ought not to be afraid of those eyes.

Rita.

How can you say so! Not afraid!

Allmers.

[Insistently.] Asta, I beg you—for Heaven’s sake—remain here with Rita!

Rita.

Yes! And with Alfred, too. Do! Do, Asta!

Asta.

[Struggling with herself.] Oh, I want to so much——