either. Not to others. Only to us two. ALLMERS. [The pain re-awakening.] Yes, Rita--so it was to no purpose that you bore him in sorrow and anguish. For now he is gone again--and has left no trace behind him. RITA. Only the crutch was saved. ALLMERS. [Angrily.] Be silent! Do not let me hear that word! RITA. [Plaintively.] Oh, I cannot bear the thought that he is gone from us. ALLMERS. [Coldly and bitterly.] You could very well do without him while he was with us. Half the day would often pass without your setting eyes on him. RITA. Yes, for I knew that I could see him whenever I wanted to. ALLMERS. Yes, that is how we have gone and squandered the short time we had with Little Eyolf. RITA. [Listening, in dread.] Do you hear, Alfred! Now it is ringing again! ALLMERS. [Looking over the fiord.] It is the steamer's bell that is ringing. She is just starting. RITA. Oh, it's not that bell I mean. All day I have heard it ringing in my ears.--Now it is ringing again! ALLMERS. [Going up to her.] You are mistaken, Rita. RITA. No, I hear it so plainly. It sounds like a knell. Slow. Slow. And always the same words. ALLMERS. Words? What words? RITA. [Nodding her head in the rhythm.] "The crutch is--floating. The crutch is--floating." Oh, surely you must hear it, too! ALLMERS. [Shaking his head.] I hear nothing. And there is nothing to hear. RITA. Oh, you may say what you will--I hear it so plainly. ALLMERS. [Looking out over the railing.] Now they are on board, Rita. Now the steamer is on her way to the town. RITA. Is it possible you do not hear it? "The crutch is--floating. The crutch is-- ---"