Rita.

I was so sorry for him—because you troubled yourself so little about him. You kept him reading and grinding at books. You scarcely even saw him.

Allmers.

[Nodding slowly.] No; I was blind. The time had not yet come for me——

Rita.

[Looking in his face.] But now, I suppose, it has come?

Allmers.

Yes, at last. Now I see that the highest task I can have in the world is to be a true father to Eyolf.

Rita.

And to me?—what will you be to me?