ASTA. Yes, Alfred--little Eyolf was behind it all. ALLMERS. No, he was not. He slipped out of my memory--out of my thoughts. I did not see him for a moment as we sat here talking. I utterly forgot him all that time. ASTA. But surely you must take some rest in your sorrow. ALLMERS. No, no, no; that is just what I will not do! I must not--I have no right--and no heart for it, either. [Going in great excitement towards the right.] All my thoughts must be out there, where he lies drifting in the depths! ASTA. [Following him and holding him back.] Alfred--Alfred! Don't go to the fiord. ALLMERS. I must go out to him! Let me go, Asta! I will take the boat. ASTA. [In terror.] Don't go to the fiord, I say! ALLMERS. [Yielding.] No, no--I will not. Only let me alone. ASTA. [Leading him back to the table.] You must rest from your thoughts, Alfred. Come here and sit down. ALLMERS. [Making as if to seat himself on the bench.] Well, well-- as you please. ASTA. No, I won't let you sit there. ALLMERS. Yes, let me. ASTA. No, don't. For then you will only sit looking out-- [Forces him down upon a chair, with his back to the right.] There now. Now that's right. [Seats herself upon the bench.] And now we can talk a little again. ALLMERS. [Drawing a deep breath audibly.] It was good to deaden the sorrow and heartache for a moment. ASTA. You insist do so, Alfred. ALLMERS. But don't you think it is terribly weak and unfeeling of me--to be able to do so? ASTA. Oh, no--I am sure it is impossible to keep circling for ever round one fixed thought. ALLMERS. Yes, for me it is impossible. Before you came to me, here I sat, torturing myself unspeakably with this crushing, gnawing