RITA. You should take these things more quietly, Alfred! ALLMERS. [Stops beside the table on the left, and looks at them.] Eyolf shall carry on my life-work--if he wants to. Or he shall choose one that is altogether his own. Perhaps that would be best. At all events, I shall let mine rest as it is. RITA. [Rising.] But, Alfred dear, can you not work both for yourself and for Eyolf? ALLMERS. No, I cannot. It is impossible! I cannot divide myself in this matter--and therefore I efface myself. Eyolf shall be the complete man of our race. And it shall be my new life-work to make him the complete man. ASTA. [Has risen and now goes up to him.] This must have cost you a terribly hard struggle, Alfred? ALLMERS. Yes, it has. At home here, I should never have conquered myself, never brought myself to the point of renunciation. Never at home! RITA. Then that was why you went away this summer? ALLMERS. [With shining eyes.] Yes! I went up into the infinite solitudes. I saw the sunrise gleaming on the mountain peaks. I felt myself nearer the stars--I seemed almost to be in sympathy and communion with them. And then I found the strength for it. ASTA. [Looking sadly at him.] But you will never write any more of your book on "Human Responsibility"? ALLMERS. No, never, Asta. I tell you I cannot split up my life between two vocations. But I will act out my "human responsibility"-- in my own life. RITA. [With a smile.] Do you think you can live up to such high resolves at home here? ALLMERS. [Taking her hand.] With you to help me, I can. [Holds out the other hand.] And with you too, Asta. RITA. [Drawing her hand away.] Ah--with both of us! So, after all, you can divide yourself. ALLMERS. Why, my dearest Rita--! [RITA moves away from him and stands in the garden doorway. A light and rapid knock is heard at the door on the right. Engineer BORGHEIM enters quickly. He is a young man of a little over thirty.