ALLMERS. But, my dearest Rita--years bring a certain change with them--and that must one day occur even in us--as in every one else. RITA. Never in me! And I will not hear of any change in you either-- I could not bear it, Alfred. I want to keep you to myself alone. ALLMERS. [Looking at her with concern.] You have a terribly jealous nature-- RITA. I can't make myself different from what I am. [Threateningly.] If you go and divide yourself between me and any one else-- ALLMERS. What then--? RITA. Then I will take my revenge on you, Alfred! ALLMERS. How "take your revenge"? RITA. I don't know how.--Oh yes, I do know, well enough! ALLMERS. Well? RITA. I will go and throw myself away-- ALLMERS. Throw yourself away, do you say? RITA. Yes, that I will. I'll throw myself straight into the arms of of the first man that comes in my way-- ALLMERS. [Looking tenderly at her and shaking his head.] That you will never do--my loyal, proud, true-hearted Rita! RITA. [Putting her arms round his neck.] Oh, you don't know what I might come to be if you--if you did not love me any more. ALLMERS. Did not love you, Rita? How can you say such a thing! RITA. [Half laughing, lets him go.] Why should I not spread my nets for that--that road-maker man that hangs about here? ALLMERS. [Relieved.] Oh, thank goodness--you are only joking. RITA. Not at all. He would do as well as any one else. ALLMERS. Ah, but I suspect he is more or less taken up already. RITA. So much the better! For then I should take him away from some one else; and that is just what Eyolf has done to me. ALLMERS. Can you say that our little Eyolf has done that?