Asta.

[Looks attentively at him.] What is it that has happened to you, Alfred?

Allmers.

[Smiling.] To me?

Asta.

Yes, something has happened—something seems almost to have transformed you. Rita noticed it too.

Rita.

Yes, I saw it the moment you came. A change for the better, I hope, Alfred?

Allmers.

It ought to be for the better. And it must and shall come to good.