[Disappointed, drops his hand.] Ah—of Eyolf!

Allmers.

Poor little Eyolf has taken deeper and deeper hold of me. After that unlucky fall from the table—and especially since we have been assured that the injury is incurable——

Rita.

[Insistently.] But you take all the care you possibly can of him, Alfred!

Allmers.

As a schoolmaster, yes; but not as a father. And it is a father that I want henceforth to be to Eyolf.

Rita.

[Looking at him and shaking her head.] I don’t think I quite understand you.

Allmers.