thing nor the other. And the torturing reality was nothing but a dream, I thought. Oh, how I thanked and blessed-- [Checking himself.] H'm! RITA. [Looking at him.] Whom? ALLMERS. [Evasively.] Whom--? RITA. Yes; whom did you thank and bless? ALLMERS. [Putting aside the question.] I was only dreaming, you know-- RITA. One whom you yourself do not believe in? ALLMERS. That was how I felt, all the same. Of course, I was sleeping-- RITA. [Reproachfully.] You should not have taught me to doubt, Alfred. ALLMERS. Would it leave been right of me to let you go through life with your mind full of empty fictions? RITA. It would have been better for me; for then I should have had something to take refuge in. Now I am utterly at sea. ALLMERS. [Observing her closely.] If you had the choice now--. If you could follow Eyolf to where he is--? RITA. Yes? What then? ALLMERS. If you were fully assured that you would find him again-- know him--understand him--? RITA. Yes, yes; what then? ALLMERS. Would you, of your own free will, take the leap over to him? Of your own free will leave everything behind you? Renounce your whole earthly life? Would you, Rita? RITA. [Softly.] Now, at once? ALLMERS. Yes; to-day. This very hour. Answer me--would you? RITA. [Hesitating.] Oh, I don't know, Alfred. No! I think I should have to stay here with you, a little while. ALLMERS. For my sake? RITA. Yes. only for your sake.