ASTA. Such as the time when Alfred had passed his examination--and had distinguished himself. And then, from time, to time, when he got a post in some school or other. Or when he would sit at home working at an article--and would read it aloud to me. And then when it would appear in some magazine. BORGHEIM. Yes, I can quite see that it must have been a peaceful, delightful life--a brother and sister sharing all their joys. [Shaking his head.] What I cannot understand is that your brother could ever give you up, Asta. ASTA. [With suppressed emotion.] Alfred married, you know. BORGHEIM. Was not that very hard for you? ASTA. Yes, at first. It seemed as though I had utterly lost him all at once. BORGHEIM. Well, luckily it was not so bad as that. ASTA. No. BORGHEIM. But, all the same--how could he! Go and marry, I mean-- when he could have kept you with him, alone! ASTA. [Looking straight in front of her.] He was subject to the law of change, I suppose. BORGHEIM. The law of change? ASTA. So Alfred calls it. BORGHEIM. Pooh--what a stupid law that must be! I don't believe a bit in that law. ASTA. [Rising.] You may come to believe in it, in time. BORGHEIM. Never in all my life! [Insistently.] But listen now, Miss Asta! Do be reasonable for once in a way--in this matter, I mean-- ASTA. [Interrupting him.] Oh, no, no--don't let us begin upon that again! BORGHEIM. [Continuing as before.] Yes, Asta--I can't possibly give you up so easily. Now your brother has everything as he wishes it. He can live his life quite contentedly without you. He doesn't require you at all. Then this--this--that at one blow has changed your whole position here-- ASTA. [With a start.] What do you mean by that?