What was it, then?
Allmers.
It was this: I found there was no more peace for me, there in my study.
Rita.
No peace! Why, who disturbed you?
Allmers.
[Shaking his head.] No one from without. But I felt as though I were positively abusing—or, say rather, wasting—my best powers—frittering away the time.
Asta.
[With wide eyes.] When you were writing at your book?
Allmers.