ALLMERS. [Not listening to her.] But since you are not going with him--? Since there is nothing to bind you--? Why will you not remain out here with me--and with Rita? ASTA. [Uneasily.] No, no, I cannot. I must go back to town now. ALLMERS. But only in to town, Asta. Do you hear! ASTA. Yes. ALLMERS. And you must promise me that you will soon come out again. ASTA. [Quickly.] No, no, I dare not promise you that, for the present. ALLMERS. Well as you will. We shall soon meet in town, then. ASTA. [Imploringly.] But, Alfred, you must stay at home here with Rita now. ALLMERS. [Without answering, turns to BORGHEIM.] You may find it a good thing, after all, that you have to take your journey alone. BORGHEIM. [Annoyed.] Oh, how can you say such a thing? ALLMERS. You see, you can never tell whom you might happen to meet afterwards--on the way. ASTA. [Involuntarily.] Alfred! ALLMERS. The right fellow-traveller--when it is too late--too late. ASTA. [Softly, quivering.] Alfred! Alfred! BORGHEIM. [Looking front one to the other.] What is the meaning of this? I don't understand-- [RITA comes up from the left at the back.] RITA. [Plaintively.] Oh, don't go away from me, all of you! ASTA. [Going towards her.] You said you preferred to be alone. RITA. Yes, but I dare not. It is getting so horribly dark. I seem to see great, open eyes fixed upon me! ASTA. [Tenderly and sympathetically.] What if it were so, Rita? You ought not to be afraid of those eyes. RITA. How can you say so! Not afraid!