Alma. Oh, yes.
Robert. And if you lost him entirely, would you feel that you could not bear it at all?
Alma. Oh no!
Robert. Good!--You are a brave little girl!--One can learn to forget!--One can learn--(He sits down) Above all, you must work! The singing nonsense is over, of course! You have learned dressmaking, you can begin that again! But you mustn't go back into a shop. There are too many temptations and bad examples there!
Alma. Yes, yes, the girls are bad.
Robert. Let him among you who is without sin--you know! And least of all, you! Where we shall go I can't say as yet. I couldn't think of uprooting our old parents; otherwise I should take them along. It doesn't matter where--only a long, long way, where you will belong only to me and your work--For you can take my word for it all--tired is half-happy!--Mother and Father would live with us, and you shall help me to take care of them. Besides your dressmaking, you'll have to wash and cook. Will you do that and be patient with Father and Mother?
Alma. If you want me to.
Robert. No, you must want to with a good will, otherwise it is useless. I ask you again, will you?
Alma. Yes, from to-morrow on, I'll do everything.
Robert. That's right--but why from to-morrow and not from to-day?