RITA. How can you say so! Not afraid! ALLMERS. [Insistently.] Asta, I beg you--for Heaven's sake--remain here with Rita! RITA. Yes! And with Alfred, too. Do! Do, Asta! ASTA. [Struggling with herself.] Oh, I want to so much-- RITA. Well, then, do it! For Alfred and I cannot go alone through the sorrow and heartache. ALLMERS. [Darkly.] Say, rather--through the ranklings of remorse. RITA. Oh, whatever you like to call it--we cannot bear it alone, we two. Oh, Asta, I beg and implore you! Stay here and help us! Take Eyolf's place for us-- ASTA. [Shrinking.] Eyolf's-- RITA. Yes, would you not have it so, Alfred? ALLMERS. If she can and will. RITA. You used to call her your little Eyolf. [Seizes her hand.] Henceforth you shall be our Eyolf, Asta! Eyolf, as you were before. ALLMERS. [With concealed emotion.] Remain--and share our life with us, Asta. With Rita. With me. With me--your brother! ASTA. [With decision, snatches her hand away.] No. I cannot. [Turning.] Mr. Borgheim--what time does the steamer start? BORGHEIM. Now--at once. ASTA. Then I must go on board. Will you go with me? BORGHEIM. [With a suppressed outburst of joy.] Will I? Yes, yes! ASTA. Then come! RITA. [Slowly.] Ah! That is how it is. Well, then, you cannot stay with us. ASTA. [Throwing her arms round her neck.] Thanks for everything, Rita! (Goes up to ALLMERS and grasps his hand.) Alfred-good-bye! A thousand times, good-bye! ALLMERS. [oftly and eagerly.] What is this, Asta? It seems as though you were taking flight.