Friedrich (thoughtlessly): I thought——(Correcting himself) pardon me! I thank you!
Rita: I hope it will not disturb you if I drink my coffee while you continue.
Friedrich: Please (embarrassed). I thought it a proper thing. I hoped that my cold and distant attitude would check a possible existing affection for me.
Rita: Possible existing affection! Fie! Now you are beginning to lie! (She jumps up and walks nervously through the room.) As though you had not positively known that! (Stepping in front of him) Or what did you take me for when I kissed you?
Friedrich (very much frightened, also rises): O, Erna, I always——
Rita (laughs): You are delightful! Delightful! Still the same bashful boy—who does not dare—(she laughs and sits down again.) Delightful.
Friedrich (after a silence, hesitatingly): Well, are you going to allow me to call you Erna again, as of yore?
Rita: As of yore. (She sighs, then gaily) If you care to.
Friedrich (happy): Yes? May I?