Allmers.

And you think she doesn’t care very much about him now?

Rita.

Not seriously; not utterly and entirely; not unreservedly—I am sure she doesn’t. [Looks searchingly at him.] Would it displease you if she did?

Allmers.

It would not exactly displease me. But it would certainly be a disquieting thought——

Rita.

Disquieting?

Allmers.

Yes; you must remember that I am responsible for Asta—for her life’s happiness.