[Looking over the fiord.] It is the steamer’s bell that is ringing. She is just starting.

Rita.

Oh, it’s not that bell I mean. All day I have heard it ringing in my ears.—Now it is ringing again!

Allmers.

[Going up to her.] You are mistaken, Rita.

Rita.

No, I hear it so plainly. It sounds like a knell. Slow. Slow. And always the same words.

Allmers.

Words? What words?

Rita.