Chapter II: Part 2

[_Harshly._] Down where all the rats are. [_Resuming her milder tone._] But now I must be off and get to business again. Always on the move. [_To RITA._] So your ladyship has no sort of use for me to-day? I could finish it all off while I am about it.

RITA.

No, thank you; I don’t think we require anything.

THE RAT-WIFE.

Well, well, your sweet ladyship, you can never tell. If your ladyship should find that there is anything here that keeps nibbling and gnawing, and creeping and crawling, then just see and get hold of me and Mopsëman.—Good-bye, good-bye, a kind good-bye to you all.

[_She goes out by the door on the right._

EYOLF.

[_Softly and triumphantly, to ASTA._] Only think, Auntie, now I have seen the Rat-Wife too!

[_RITA goes out upon the verandah, and fans herself with her
pocket-handkerchief. Shortly afterwards, EYOLF slips cautiously
and unnoticed out to the right._

ALLMERS.

[_Takes up the portfolio from the table by the sofa._] Is this your portfolio, Asta?

ASTA.

Yes. I have some of the old letters in it.

ALLMERS.

Ah, the family letters——

ASTA.

You know you asked me to arrange them for you while you were away.

ALLMERS.

[_Pats her on the head._] And you have actually found time to do that, dear?

ASTA.

Oh, yes. I have done it partly out here and partly at my own rooms in town.

ALLMERS.

Thanks, dear. Did you find anything particular in them?

ASTA.

[_Lightly._] Oh, you know you always find something or other in such old papers. [_Speaking lower and seriously._] It is the letters to mother that are in this portfolio.

ALLMERS.

Those, of course, you must keep yourself.

ASTA.

[_With an effort._] No; I am determined that you shall look through them, too, Alfred. Some time—later on in life. I haven’t the key of the portfolio with me just now.

ALLMERS.

It doesn’t matter, my dear Asta, for I shall never read your mother’s letters in any case.

ASTA.

[_Fixing her eyes on him._] Then some time or other—some quiet evening—I will tell you a little of what is in them.

ALLMERS.

Yes, that will be much better. But do you keep your mother’s letters—you haven’t so many mementos of her.

[_He hands ASTA the portfolio. She takes it, and lays it on the
chair under her outdoor things. RITA comes into the room again._

RITA.

Ugh! I feel as if that horrible old woman had brought a sort of graveyard smell with her.

ALLMERS.

Yes, she was rather horrible.

RITA.

I felt almost sick while she was in the room.

ALLMERS.

However, I can very well understand the sort of spellbound fascination that she talked about. The loneliness of the mountain-peaks and of the great waste places has something of the same magic about it.

ASTA.

[_Looks attentively at him._] What is it that has happened to you, Alfred?

ALLMERS.

[_Smiling._] To me?

ASTA.

Yes, something has happened—something seems almost to have transformed you. Rita noticed it too.

RITA.

Yes, I saw it the moment you came. A change for the better, I hope, Alfred?

ALLMERS.

It _ought_ to be for the better. And it must and shall come to good.

RITA.

[_With an outburst._] You have had some adventure on your journey! Don’t deny it! I can see it in your face!

ALLMERS.

[_Shaking his head._] No adventure in the world—outwardly at least. But——

RITA.

[_Eagerly._] But——?

ALLMERS.

It is true that within me there has been something of a revolution.

RITA.

Oh Heavens——!

ALLMERS.

[_Soothingly, patting her hand._] Only for the better, my dear Rita. You may be perfectly certain of that.

RITA.

[_Seats herself on the sofa._] You must tell us all about it, at once—tell us everything!

ALLMERS.

[_Turning to ASTA._] Yes, let us sit down, too, Asta. Then I will try to tell you as well as I can.

[_He seats himself on the sofa at RITA’S side. ASTA moves a chair
forward, and places herself near him._

RITA.

[_Looking at him expectantly._] Well——?

ALLMERS.

[_Gazing straight before him._] When I look back over my life—and my fortunes—for the last ten or eleven years, it seems to me almost like a fairy-tale or a dream. Don’t you think so too, Asta?

ASTA.

Yes, in many ways I think so.

ALLMERS.

[_Continuing._] When I remember what we two used to be, Asta—we two poor orphan children——

RITA.

[_Impatiently._] Oh, that is such an old, old story.

ALLMERS.

[_Not listening to her._] And now here I am in comfort and luxury. I have been able to follow my vocation. I have been able to work and study—just as I had always longed to. [_Holds out his hand._] And all this great—this fabulous good fortune we owe to you, my dearest Rita.

RITA.

[_Half playfully, half angrily, slaps his hand._] Oh, I do wish you would stop talking like that.

ALLMERS.

I speak of it only as a sort of introduction.

RITA.

Then do skip the introduction!

ALLMERS.

Rita,—you must not think it was the doctor’s advice that drove me up to the mountains.

ASTA.

Was it not, Alfred?

RITA.

What was it, then?

ALLMERS.

It was this: I found there was no more peace for me, there in my study.

RITA.

No peace! Why, who disturbed you?

ALLMERS.

[_Shaking his head._] No one from without. But I felt as though I were positively abusing—or, say rather, wasting—my best powers—frittering away the time.

ASTA.

[_With wide eyes._] When you were writing at your book?

ALLMERS.

[_Nodding._] For I cannot think that my powers are confined to that alone. I must surely have it in me to do one or two other things as well.

RITA.

Was that what you sat there brooding over?

ALLMERS.

Yes, mainly that.

RITA.

And so that is what has made you so discontented with yourself of late; and with the rest of us as well. For you know you were discontented, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

[_Gazing straight before him._] There I sat bent over my table, day after day, and often half the night too—writing and writing at the great thick book on “Human Responsibility.” H’m!

ASTA.

[_Laying her hand upon his arm._] But, Alfred—that book is to be your life-work.

RITA.

Yes, you have said so often enough.

ALLMERS.

I thought so. Ever since I grew up, I have thought so. [_With an affectionate expression in his eyes._] And it was you that enabled me to devote myself to it, my dear Rita——

RITA.

Oh, nonsense!

ALLMERS.

[_Smiling to her._]—you, with your gold, and your green forests——

RITA.

[_Half laughing, half vexed._] If you begin all that rubbish again, I shall beat you.

ASTA.

[_Looking sorrowfully at him._] But the book, Alfred?

ALLMERS.

It began, as it were, to drift away from me. But I was more and more beset by the thought of the higher duties that laid their claims upon me.

RITA.

[_Beaming, seizes his hand._] Alfred!

ALLMERS.

The thought of Eyolf, my dear Rita.

RITA.

[_Disappointed, drops his hand._] Ah—of Eyolf!

ALLMERS.

Poor little Eyolf has taken deeper and deeper hold of me. After that unlucky fall from the table—and especially since we have been assured that the injury is incurable——

RITA.

[_Insistently._] But you take all the care you possibly can of him, Alfred!

ALLMERS.

As a schoolmaster, yes; but not as a father. And it is a father that I want henceforth to be to Eyolf.

RITA.

[_Looking at him and shaking her head._] I don’t think I quite understand you.

ALLMERS.

I mean that I will try with all my might to make his misfortune as painless and easy to him as it can possibly be.

RITA.

Oh, but, dear—thank Heaven, I don’t think he feels it so deeply.

ASTA.

[_With emotion._] Yes, Rita, he does.

ALLMERS.

Yes, you may be sure he feels it deeply.

RITA.

[_Impatiently._] But, Alfred, what more can you do for him?

ALLMERS.

I will try to perfect all the rich possibilities that are dawning in his childish soul. I will foster all the noble germs in his nature—make them blossom and bear fruit. [_With more and more warmth, rising._] And I will do more than that! I will help him to bring his desires into harmony with what lies attainable before him. That is just what at present they are not. All his longings are for things that must for ever remain unattainable to him. But I will create a conscious happiness in his mind.

[_He goes once or twice up and down the room. ASTA and RITA follow him with their eyes._

RITA.

You should take these things more quietly, Alfred!

ALLMERS.

[_Stops beside the table on the left, and looks at them._] Eyolf shall carry on my life-work—if he wants to. Or he shall choose one that is altogether his own. Perhaps that would be best. At all events, I shall let mine rest as it is.

RITA.

[_Rising._] But, Alfred dear, can you not work both for yourself and for Eyolf?

ALLMERS.

No, I cannot. It is impossible! I cannot divide myself in this matter—and therefore I efface myself. Eyolf shall be the complete man of our race. And it shall be my new life-work to make him the complete man.

ASTA.

[_Has risen and now goes up to him._] This must have cost you a terribly hard struggle, Alfred?

ALLMERS.

Yes, it has. At home here, I should never have conquered myself, never brought myself to the point of renunciation. Never at home!

RITA.

Then that was why you went away this summer?

ALLMERS.

[_With shining eyes._] Yes! I went up into the infinite solitudes. I saw the sunrise gleaming on the mountain peaks. I felt myself nearer the stars—I seemed almost to be in sympathy and communion with them. And then I found the strength for it.

ASTA.

[_Looking sadly at him._] But you will never write any more of your book on "Human Responsibility"?

ALLMERS.

No, never, Asta. I tell you I cannot split up my life between two vocations. But I will act out my "human responsibility"—in my own life.

RITA.

[_With a smile._] Do you think you can live up to such high resolves at home here?

ALLMERS.

[_Taking her hand._] With you to help me, I can. [_Holds out the other hand._] And with you too, Asta.

RITA.

[_Drawing her hand away._] Ah—with both of us! So, after all, you _can_ divide yourself.

ALLMERS.

Why, my dearest Rita——!

[_RITA moves away from him and stands in the garden doorway. A light
and rapid knock is heard at the door on the right. Engineer
BORGHEIM enters quickly. He is a young man of a little over
thirty. His expression is bright and cheerful, and he holds
himself erect._

BORGHEIM.

Good morning, Mrs. Allmers. [_Stops with an expression of pleasure on seeing ALLMERS._] Why, what’s this? Home again already, Mr. Allmers?

ALLMERS.

[_Shaking hands with him._] Yes, I arrived last night.

RITA.

[_Gaily._] His leave was up, Mr. Borgheim.

ALLMERS.

No, you know it wasn’t, Rita——

RITA.

[_Approaching._] Oh yes, but it was, though. His furlough had run out.

BORGHEIM.

I see you hold your husband well in hand, Mrs. Allmers.

RITA.

I hold to my rights. And besides, everything must have an end.

BORGHEIM.

Oh, not everything—I hope. Good morning, Miss Allmers!

ASTA.

[_Holding aloof from him._] Good morning.

RITA.

[_Looking at BORGHEIM._] Not everything, you say?

BORGHEIM.

Oh, I am firmly convinced that there are _some_ things in the world that will never come to an end.

RITA.

I suppose you are thinking of love—and that sort of thing.

BORGHEIM.

[_Warmly._] I am thinking of all that is lovely!

RITA.

And that never comes to an end. Yes, let us think of that, hope for that, all of us.

ALLMERS.

[_Coming up to them._] I suppose you will soon have finished your road-work out here?

BORGHEIM.

I have finished it already—finished it yesterday. It has been a long business, but, thank Heaven, _that_ has come to an end.

RITA.

And you are beaming with joy over that?

BORGHEIM.

Yes, I am indeed!

RITA.

Well, I must say——

BORGHEIM.

What, Mrs. Allmers?

RITA.

I don’t think it is particularly nice of you, Mr. Borgheim.

BORGHEIM.

Indeed! Why not?

RITA.

Well, I suppose we sha’n’t often see you in these parts after this.

BORGHEIM.

No, that is true. I hadn’t thought of that.

RITA.

Oh well, I suppose you will be able to look in upon us now and then all the same.

BORGHEIM.

No, unfortunately that will be out of my power for a very long time.

ALLMERS.

Indeed! How so?

BORGHEIM.

The fact is, I have got a big piece of new work that I must set about at once.

ALLMERS.

Have you indeed?—[_Pressing his hand._]—I am heartily glad to hear it.

RITA.

I congratulate you, Mr. Borgheim!

BORGHEIM.

Hush, hush—I really ought not to talk openly of it as yet! But I can’t help coming out with it! It is a great piece of road-making—up in the north—with mountain ranges to cross, and the most tremendous difficulties to overcome!—[_With an outburst of gladness._]—Oh, what a glorious world this is—and what a joy it is to be a road-maker in it!

RITA.

[_Smiling, and looking teasingly at him._] Is it road-making business that has brought you out here to-day in such wild spirits?

BORGHEIM.

No, not that alone. I am thinking of all the bright and hopeful prospects that are opening out before me.

RITA.

Aha, then perhaps you have something still more exquisite in reserve!

BORGHEIM.

[_Glancing towards ASTA._] Who knows! When once happiness comes to us, it is apt to come like a spring flood. [_Turns to ASTA._] Miss Allmers, would you not like to take a little walk with me? As we used to?

ASTA.

[_Quickly._] No—no, thank you. Not now. Not to-day.

BORGHEIM.

Oh, do come! Only a little bit of a walk! I have so much I want to talk to you about before I go.

RITA.

Something else, perhaps, that you must not talk openly about as yet?

BORGHEIM.

H’m, that depends——

RITA.

But there is nothing to prevent your whispering, you know. [_Half aside._] Asta, you must really go with him.

ASTA.

But, my dear Rita——

BORGHEIM.

[_Imploringly._] Miss Asta—remember it is to be a farewell walk—the last for many a day.

ASTA.

[_Takes her hat and parasol._] Very well, suppose we take a stroll in the garden, then.

BORGHEIM.

Oh, thank you, thank you!

ALLMERS.

And while you are there you can see what Eyolf is doing.

BORGHEIM.

Ah, Eyolf, by the bye! Where is Eyolf to-day? I’ve got something for him.

ALLMERS.

He is out playing somewhere.

BORGHEIM.

Is he really! Then he has begun to play now? He used always to be sitting indoors over his books.

ALLMERS.

There is to be an end of that now. I am going to make a regular open-air boy of him.

BORGHEIM.

Ah, now, that’s right! Out into the open air with him, poor little fellow! Good Lord, what can we possibly do better than play in this blessed world? For my part, I think all life is one long playtime!—Come, Miss Asta!

[_BORGHEIM and ASTA go out on the verandah and down through the
garden._

ALLMERS.

[_Stands looking after them._] Rita—do you think there is anything between those two?

RITA.

I don’t know what to say. I used to think there was. But Asta has grown so strange to me—so utterly incomprehensible of late.

ALLMERS.

Indeed! Has she? While I have been away?

RITA.

Yes, within the last week or two.

ALLMERS.

And you think she doesn’t care very much about him now?

RITA.

Not seriously; not utterly and entirely; not unreservedly—I am sure she doesn’t. [_Looks searchingly at him._] Would it displease you if she did?

ALLMERS.

It would not exactly displease me. But it would certainly be a disquieting thought——

RITA.

Disquieting?

ALLMERS.

Yes; you must remember that I am responsible for Asta—for her life’s happiness.

RITA.

Oh, come—responsible! Surely Asta has come to years of discretion? I should say she was capable of choosing for herself.

ALLMERS.

Yes, we must hope so, Rita.

RITA.

For my part, I don’t think at all ill of Borgheim.

ALLMERS.

No, dear—no more do I—quite the contrary. But all the same——

RITA.

[_Continuing._] And I should be very glad indeed if he and Asta were to make a match of it.

ALLMERS.

[_Annoyed._] Oh, why should you be?

RITA.

[_With increasing excitement._] Why, for then she would have to go far, far away with him! And she could never come out here to us, as she does now.

ALLMERS.

[_Stares at her in astonishment._] What! Can you really wish Asta to go away?

RITA.

Yes, yes, Alfred!

ALLMERS.

Why in all the world——?

RITA.

[_Throwing her arms passionately round his neck._] For then, at last, I should have you to myself alone! And yet—not even then! Not wholly to myself! [_Bursts into convulsive weeping._] Oh, Alfred, Alfred—I cannot give you up!

ALLMERS.

[_Gently releasing himself._] My dearest Rita, do be reasonable!

RITA.

I don’t care a bit about being reasonable! I care only for you! Only for you in all the world! [_Again throwing her arms round his neck._] For you, for you, for you!

ALLMERS.

Let me go, let me go—you are strangling me!

RITA.

[_Letting him go._] How I wish I could! [_Looking at him with flashing eyes._] Oh, if you knew how I have hated you——!

ALLMERS.

Hated me——!

RITA.

Yes—when you shut yourself up in your room and brooded over your work—till long, long into the night. [_Plaintively._] So long, so late, Alfred. Oh, how I hated your work!

ALLMERS.

But now I have done with that.

RITA.

[_With a cutting laugh._] Oh yes! Now you have given yourself up to something worse.

ALLMERS.

[_Shocked._] Worse! Do you call our child something worse?

RITA.

[_Vehemently._] Yes, I do. As he comes between you and me, I call him so. For the book—the book was not a living being, as the child is. [_With increasing impetuosity._] But I won’t endure it, Alfred! I will not endure it—I tell you so plainly!

ALLMERS.

[_Looks steadily at her, and says in a low voice._] I am often almost afraid of you, Rita.

RITA.

[_Gloomily._] I am often afraid of myself. And for that very reason you must not awake the evil in me.

ALLMERS.

Why, good Heavens, do I do that?

RITA.

Yes, you do—when you tear to shreds the holiest bonds between us.

ALLMERS.

[_Urgently._] Think what you’re saying, Rita. It is your own child—our only child, that you are speaking of.

RITA.

The child is only half mine. [_With another outburst._] But you shall be mine alone! You shall be wholly mine! That I have a right to demand of you!

ALLMERS.

[_Shrugging his shoulders._] Oh, my dear Rita, it is of no use demanding anything. Everything must be freely given.

RITA.

[_Looks anxiously at him._] And that you cannot do henceforth?

ALLMERS.

No, I cannot. I must divide myself between Eyolf and you.

RITA.

But if Eyolf had never been born? What then?

ALLMERS.

[_Evasively._] Oh, that would be another matter. Then I should have only you to care for.

RITA.

[_Softly, her voice quivering._] Then I wish he had never been born.

ALLMERS.

[_Flashing out._] Rita! You don’t know what you are saying!

RITA.

[_Trembling with emotion._] It was in pain unspeakable that I brought him into the world. But I bore it all with joy and rapture for your sake.

ALLMERS.

[_Warmly._] Oh yes, I know, I know.

RITA.

[_With decision._] But there it must end. I will live my life—together with you—wholly with you. I cannot go on being only Eyolf’s mother—only his mother and nothing more. I _will_ not, I tell you! I _cannot_! I will be all in all to you! To you, Alfred!

ALLMERS.

But that is just what you are, Rita. Through our child——

RITA.

Oh—vapid, nauseous phrases—nothing else! No, Alfred, I am not to be put off like that. I was fitted to _become_ the child’s mother, but not to be a mother to him. You must take me as I am, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

And yet you used to be so fond of Eyolf.

RITA.

I was so sorry for him—because you troubled yourself so little about him. You kept him reading and grinding at books. You scarcely even saw him.

ALLMERS.

[_Nodding slowly._] No; I was blind. The time had not yet come for me——

RITA.

[_Looking in his face._] But now, I suppose, it has come?

ALLMERS.

Yes, at last. Now I see that the highest task I can have in the world is to be a true father to Eyolf.

RITA.

And to me?—what will you be to me?

ALLMERS.

[_Gently._] I will always go on caring for you—with calm, deep tenderness. [_He tries to take her hands._]

RITA.

[_Avoiding him._] I don’t care a bit for your calm, deep tenderness. I want you utterly and entirely—and alone! Just as I had you in the first rich, beautiful days. [_Vehemently and harshly._] Never, never will I consent to be put off with scraps and leavings, Alfred!

ALLMERS.

[_In a conciliatory tone._] I should have thought there was happiness in plenty for all three of us, Rita.

RITA.

[_Scornfully._] Then you are easy to please. [_Seats herself at the table on the left._] Now listen to me.

ALLMERS.

[_Approaching._] Well, what is it?

RITA.

[_Looking up at him with a veiled glow in her eyes._] When I got your telegram yesterday evening——

ALLMERS.

Yes? What then?

RITA.

—then I dressed myself in white——

ALLMERS.

Yes, I noticed you were in white when I arrived.

RITA.

I had let down my hair——

ALLMERS.

Your sweet masses of hair——

RITA.

—so that it flowed down my neck and shoulders——

ALLMERS.

I saw it, I saw it. Oh, how lovely you were, Rita!

RITA.

There were rose-tinted shades over both the lamps. And we were alone, we two—the only waking beings in the whole house. And there was champagne on the table.

ALLMERS.

I did not drink any of it.

RITA.

[_Looking bitterly at him._] No, that is true. [_Laughs harshly._] "There stood the champagne, but you tasted it not"—as the poet says.

[_She rises from the armchair, goes with an air of weariness over to
the sofa, and seats herself, half reclining, upon it._

ALLMERS.

[_Crosses the room and stands before her._] I was so taken up with serious thoughts. I had made up my mind to talk to you of our future, Rita—and first and foremost of Eyolf.

RITA.

[_Smiling._] And so you did——

ALLMERS.

No, I had not time to—for you began to undress.

RITA.

Yes, and meanwhile you talked about Eyolf. Don’t you remember? You wanted to know all about little Eyolf’s digestion.

ALLMERS.

[_Looking reproachfully at her._] Rita!

RITA.

And then you got into your bed, and slept the sleep of the just.

ALLMERS.

[_Shaking his head._] Rita—Rita!

RITA.

[_Lying at full length and looking up at him._] Alfred?

ALLMERS.

Yes?

RITA.

“There stood your champagne, but you tasted it not.”

ALLMERS.

[_Almost harshly._] No. I did not taste it.

[_He goes away from her and stands in the garden doorway. RITA lies
for some time motionless, with closed eyes._

RITA.

[_Suddenly springing up._] But let me tell you one thing, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

[_Turning in the doorway._] Well?

RITA.

You ought not to feel quite so secure as you do!

ALLMERS.

Not secure?

RITA.

No, you ought not to be so indifferent! Not so certain of your property in me!

ALLMERS.

[_Drawing nearer._] What do you mean by that?

RITA.

[_With trembling lips._] Never in a single thought have I been untrue to you, Alfred! Never for an instant.

ALLMERS.

No, Rita, I know that—I, who know you so well.

RITA.

[_With sparkling eyes._] But if you disdain me——!

ALLMERS.

Disdain! I don’t understand what you mean!

RITA.

Oh, you don’t know all that might rise up within me, if——

ALLMERS.

If?

RITA.

If I should ever see that you did not care for me—that you did not love me as you used to.

ALLMERS.

But, my dearest Rita—years bring a certain change with them—and that must one day occur even in us—as in every one else.

RITA.

Never in me! And I will not hear of any change in you either—I could not bear it, Alfred. I want to keep you to myself alone.

ALLMERS.

[_Looking at her with concern._] You have a terribly jealous nature——

RITA.

I can’t make myself different from what I am. [_Threateningly._] If you go and divide yourself between me and any one else——

ALLMERS.

What then——?

RITA.

Then I will take my revenge on you, Alfred!

ALLMERS.

How "take your revenge"?

RITA.

I don’t know how.—Oh yes, I do know, well enough!

ALLMERS.

Well?

RITA.

I will go and throw myself away——

ALLMERS.

Throw yourself away, do you say?

RITA.

Yes, that I will. I’ll throw myself straight into the arms of—of the first man that comes in my way!

ALLMERS.

[_Looking tenderly at her and shaking his head._] That you will never do—my loyal, proud, true-hearted Rita!

RITA.

[_Putting her arms round his neck._] Oh, you don’t know what I might come to be if you—if you did not love me any more.

ALLMERS.

Did not love you, Rita? How can you say such a thing!

RITA.

[_Half laughing, lets him go._] Why should I not spread my nets for that—that road-maker man that hangs about here?

ALLMERS.

[_Relieved._] Oh, thank goodness—you are only joking.

RITA.

Not at all. He would do as well as any one else.

ALLMERS.

Ah, but I suspect he is more or less taken up already.

RITA.

So much the better! For then I should take him away from some one else; and that is just what Eyolf has done to me.

ALLMERS.

Can you say that our little Eyolf has done that?

RITA.

[_Pointing with her forefinger._] There, you see! You see! The moment you mention Eyolf’s name, you grow tender and your voice quivers! [_Threateningly, clenching her hands._] Oh, you almost tempt me to wish——

ALLMERS.

[_Looking at her anxiously._] What do I tempt you to wish, Rita?——

RITA.

[_Vehemently, going away from him._] No, no, no—I won’t tell you that! Never!

ALLMERS.

[_Drawing nearer to her._] Rita! I implore you—for my sake and for your own—do not let yourself be tempted into evil.

[_BORGHEIM and ASTA come up from the garden. They both show signs of
restrained emotion. They look serious and dejected. ASTA remains
out on the verandah. BORGHEIM comes into the room._

BORGHEIM.

So that is over—Miss Allmers and I have had our last walk together.

RITA.

[_Looks at him with surprise._] Ah! And there is no longer journey to follow the walk?

BORGHEIM.

Yes, for me.

RITA.

For you alone?

BORGHEIM.

Yes, for me alone.

RITA.

[_Glances darkly at ALLMERS._] Do you hear that? [_Turns to BORGHEIM._] I’ll wager it is some one with the evil eye that has played you this trick.

BORGHEIM.

[_Looks at her._] The evil eye?

RITA.

[_Nodding._] Yes, the evil eye.

BORGHEIM.

Do you believe in the evil eye, Mrs. Allmers?

RITA.

Yes. I have begun to believe in the evil eye. Especially in a child’s evil eye.

ALLMERS.

[_Shocked, whispers._] Rita—how can you——?

RITA.

[_Speaking low._] It is you that make me so wicked and hateful, Alfred.

[_Confused cries and shrieks are heard in the distance, from the
direction of the fiord._

BORGHEIM.

[_Going to the glass door._] What noise is that?

ASTA.

[_In the doorway._] Look at all those people running down to the pier!

ALLMERS.

What can it be? [_Looks out for a moment._] No doubt it’s those street urchins at some mischief again.

BORGHEIM.

[_Calls, leaning over the verandah railings._] I say, you boys down there! What’s the matter?

[_Several voices are heard answering indistinctly and confusedly._

RITA.

What do they say?

BORGHEIM.

They say it’s a child that’s drowned.

ALLMERS.

A child drowned?

ASTA.

[_Uneasily._] A little boy, they say.

ALLMERS.

Oh, they can all swim, every one of them.

RITA.

[_Shrieks in terror._] Where is Eyolf?

ALLMERS.

Keep quiet—quiet. Eyolf is down in the garden, playing.

ASTA.

No, he wasn’t in the garden.—

RITA.

[_With upstretched arms._] Oh, if only it isn’t he!

BORGHEIM.

[_Listens, and calls down._] Whose child is it, do you say?

[_Indistinct voices are heard. BORGHEIM and ASTA utter a suppressed
cry, and rush out through the garden._

ALLMERS.

[_In an agony of dread._] It isn’t Eyolf! It _isn’t_ Eyolf, Rita!

RITA.

[_On the verandah, listening._] Hush! Be quiet! Let me hear what they are saying!

[_RITA rushes back with a piercing shriek, into the room._

ALLMERS.

[_Following her._] What did they say?

RITA.

[_Sinking down beside the armchair on the left._] They said: “The crutch is floating!”

ALLMERS.

[_Almost paralysed._] No! No! No!

RITA.

[_Hoarsely._] Eyolf! Eyolf! Oh, but they _must_ save him!

ALLMERS.

[_Half distracted._] They must, they must! So precious a life!

[_He rushes down through the garden._

ACT SECOND

_A little narrow glen by the side of the fiord, on ALLMERS’S property.
On the left, lofty old trees overarch the spot. Down the slope in
the background a brook comes leaping, and loses itself among the
stones on the margin of the wood. A path winds along by the
brook-side. To the right there are only a few single trees,
between which the fiord is visible. In front is seen the corner of
a boat-shed with a boat drawn up. Under the old trees on the left
stands a table with a bench and one or two chairs, all made of
thin birch-staves. It is a heavy, damp day, with driving
mist-wreaths._

_ALFRED ALLMERS, dressed as before, sits on the bench, leaning his arms
on the table. His hat lies before him. He gazes absently and
immovably out over the water._

_Presently ASTA ALLMERS comes down the wood-path. She is carrying an
open umbrella._

ASTA.

[_Goes quietly and cautiously up to him._] You ought not to sit down here in this gloomy weather, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

[_Nods slowly without answering._]

ASTA.

[_Closing her umbrella._] I have been searching for you such a long time.

ALLMERS.

[_Without expression._] Thank you.

ASTA.

[_Moves a chair and seats herself close to him._] Have you been sitting here long? All the time?

ALLMERS.

[_Does not answer at first. Presently he says._] No, I cannot grasp it. It seems so utterly impossible.

ASTA.

[_Laying her hand compassionately on his arm._] Poor Alfred!

ALLMERS.

[_Gazing at her._] Is it really true then, Asta? Or have I gone mad? Or am I only dreaming? Oh, if it were only a dream! Just think, if I were to waken now!

ASTA.

Oh, if I could only waken you!

ALLMERS.

[_Looking out over the water._] How pitiless the fiord looks to-day, lying so heavy and drowsy—leaden-grey—with splashes of yellow—and reflecting the rain-clouds.

ASTA.

[_Imploringly._] Oh, Alfred, don’t sit staring out over the fiord!

ALLMERS.

[_Not heeding her._] Over the surface, yes. But in the depths—there sweeps the rushing undertow——

ASTA.

[_In terror._] Oh, for God’s sake—don’t think of the depths!

ALLMERS.

[_Looking gently at her._] I suppose you think he is lying close outside here? But he is not, Asta. You must not think that. You must remember how fiercely the current sweeps out here—straight to the open sea.

ASTA.

[_Throws herself forward against the table, and, sobbing, buries her face in her hands._] Oh, God! Oh, God!

ALLMERS.

[_Heavily._] So you see, little Eyolf has passed so far—far away from us now.

ASTA.

[_Looks imploringly up at him._] Oh, Alfred, don’t say such things!

ALLMERS.

Why, you can reckon it out for yourself—you that are so clever. In eight-and-twenty hours—nine-and-twenty hours——Let me see——! Let me see——!

ASTA.

[_Shrieking and stopping her ears._] Alfred!

ALLMERS.

[_Clenching his hand firmly upon the table._] Can you conceive the meaning of a thing like this?

ASTA.

[_Looks at him._] Of what?

ALLMERS.

Of this that has been done to Rita and me.

ASTA.

The meaning of it?

ALLMERS.

[_Impatiently._] Yes, the meaning, I say. For, after all, there must be a meaning in it. Life, existence—destiny, _cannot_ be so utterly meaningless.

ASTA.

Oh, who can say anything with certainty about these things, my dear Alfred?

ALLMERS.

[_Laughs bitterly._] No, no; I believe you are right there. Perhaps the whole thing goes simply by hap-hazard—taking its own course, like a drifting wreck without a rudder. I daresay that is how it is. At least, it seems very like it.

ASTA.

[_Thoughtfully._] What if it only seems——?

ALLMERS.

[_Vehemently._] Ah? Perhaps you can unravel the mystery for me? I certainly cannot. [_More gently._] Here is Eyolf, just entering upon conscious life: full of such infinite possibilities—splendid possibilities perhaps: he would have filled my life with pride and gladness. And then a crazy old woman has only to come this way—and show a cur in a bag——

ASTA.

But we don’t in the least know how it really happened.

ALLMERS.

Yes, we do. The boys saw her row out over the fiord. They saw Eyolf standing alone at the very end of the pier. They saw him gazing after her—and then he seemed to turn giddy. [_Quivering._] And that was how he fell over—and disappeared.

ASTA.

Yes, yes. But all the same——

ALLMERS.

She has drawn him down into the depths—that you may be sure of, dear.

ASTA.

But, Alfred, why should she?

ALLMERS.

Yes, that is just the question! Why should she? There is no retribution behind it all—no atonement, I mean. Eyolf never did her any harm. He never called names after her; he never threw stones at her dog. Why, he had never set eyes either on her or her dog till yesterday. So there is no retribution; the whole thing is utterly groundless and meaningless, Asta.—And yet the order of the world requires it.

ASTA.

Have you spoken to Rita of these things?

ALLMERS.

[_Shakes his head._] I feel as if I can talk better to you about them. [_Drawing a deep breath._] And about everything else as well.

[_ASTA takes sewing-materials and a little paper parcel out of her
pocket. ALLMERS sits looking on absently._

ALLMERS.

What have you got there, Asta?

ASTA.

[_Taking his hat._] Some black crape.

ALLMERS.

Oh, what is the use of that?

ASTA.

Rita asked me to put it on. May I?

ALLMERS.

Oh, yes; as far as I’m concerned——[_She sews the crape on his hat._]

ALLMERS.

[_Sitting and looking at her._] Where is Rita?

ASTA.

She is walking about the garden a little, I think. Borgheim is with her.

ALLMERS.

[_Slightly surprised._] Indeed! Is Borgheim out here to-day again?

ASTA.

Yes. He came out by the mid-day train.

ALLMERS.

I didn’t expect that.

ASTA.

[_Sewing._] He was so fond of Eyolf.

ALLMERS.

Borgheim is a faithful soul, Asta.

ASTA.

[_With quiet warmth._] Yes, faithful he is, indeed. That is certain.

ALLMERS.

[_Fixing his eyes upon her._] You are really fond of him?

ASTA.

Yes, I am.

ALLMERS.

And yet you cannot make up your mind to——?

ASTA.

[_Interrupting._] Oh, my dear Alfred, don’t talk of _that_!

ALLMERS.

Yes, yes; tell me why you cannot?

ASTA.

Oh, no! Please! You really must not ask me. You see, it’s so painful for me.—There now! The hat is done.

ALLMERS.

Thank you.

ASTA.

And now for the left arm.

ALLMERS.

Am I to have crape on it too?

ASTA.

Yes, that is the custom.

ALLMERS.

Well—as you please.

[_She moves close up to him and begins to sew._

ASTA.

Keep your arm still—then I won’t prick you.

ALLMERS.

[_With a half-smile._] This is like the old days.

ASTA.

Yes, don’t you think so?

ALLMERS.

When you were a little girl you used to sit just like this, mending my clothes. The first thing you ever sewed for me—that was black crape, too.

ASTA.

Was it?

ALLMERS.

Round my student’s cap—at the time of father’s death.

ASTA.

Could I sew then? Fancy, I have forgotten it.

ALLMERS.

Oh, you were such a little thing then.

ASTA.

Yes, I was little then.

ALLMERS.

And then, two years afterwards—when we lost your mother—then again you sewed a big crape band on my sleeve.

ASTA.

I thought it was the right thing to do.

ALLMERS.

[_Patting her hand._] Yes, yes, it was the right thing to do, Asta. And then when we were left alone in the world, we two——. Are you done already?

ASTA.

Yes. [_Putting together her sewing-materials._] It was really a beautiful time for us, Alfred. We two alone.

ALLMERS.

Yes, it was—though we had to toil so hard.

ASTA.

_You_ toiled.

ALLMERS.

[_With more life._] Oh, you toiled too, in your way, I can assure you—[_smiling_]—my dear, faithful—Eyolf.

ASTA.

Oh—you mustn’t remind me of that stupid nonsense about the name.

ALLMERS.

Well, if you had been a boy, you would have been called Eyolf.

ASTA.

Yes, _if_! But when you began to go to college——. [_Smiling involuntarily._] I wonder how you could be so childish.

ALLMERS.

Was it I that was childish?

ASTA.

Yes, indeed, I think it was, as I look back upon it all. You were ashamed of having no brother—only a sister.

ALLMERS.

No, no, it was you, dear—_you_ were ashamed.

ASTA.

Oh yes, I too, perhaps—a little. And somehow or other I was sorry for you——

ALLMERS.

Yes, I believe you were. And then you hunted up some of my old boy’s clothes——

ASTA.

Your fine Sunday clothes—yes. Do you remember the blue blouse and knickerbockers?

ALLMERS.

[_His eyes dwelling upon her._] I remember so well how you looked when you used to wear them.

ASTA.

Only when we were at home, alone, though.

ALLMERS.

And how serious we were, dear, and how mightily pleased with ourselves. I always called you Eyolf.

ASTA.

Oh, Alfred, I hope you have never told Rita this?

ALLMERS.

Yes, I believe I did once tell her.

ASTA.

Oh, Alfred, how could you do that?

ALLMERS.

Well, you see—one tells one’s wife everything—very nearly.

ASTA.

Yes, I suppose one does.

ALLMERS.

[_As if awakening, clutches at his forehead and starts up._] Oh, how can I sit here and——

ASTA.

[_Rising, looks sorrowfully at him._] What is the matter?

ALLMERS.

He had almost passed away from me. He had passed quite away.

ASTA.

Eyolf!

ALLMERS.

Here I sat, living in these recollections—and he had no part in them.

ASTA.

Yes, Alfred—little Eyolf was behind it all.

ALLMERS.

No, he was not. He slipped out of my memory—out of my thoughts. I did not see him for a moment as we sat here talking. I utterly forgot him all that time.

ASTA.

But surely you must take some rest in your sorrow.

ALLMERS.

No, no, no; that is just what I will not do! I must not—I have no right—and no heart for it, either. [_Going in great excitement towards the right._] All my thoughts must be out there, where he lies drifting in the depths!

ASTA.

[_Following him and holding him back._] Alfred—Alfred! Don’t go to the fiord.

ALLMERS.

I must go out to him! Let me go, Asta! I will take the boat.

ASTA.

[_In terror._] Don’t go to the fiord, I say!

ALLMERS.

[_Yielding._] No, no—I will not. Only let me alone.

ASTA.

[_Leading him back to the table._] You must rest from your thoughts, Alfred. Come here and sit down.

ALLMERS.

[_Making as if to seat himself on the bench._] Well, well—as you please.

ASTA.

No, I won’t let you sit there.

ALLMERS.

Yes, let me.

ASTA.

No, don’t. For then you will only sit looking out——[_Forces him down upon a chair, with his back to the right._] There now. Now that’s right. [_Seats herself upon the bench._] And now we can talk a little again.

ALLMERS.

[_Drawing a deep breath audibly._] It was good to deaden the sorrow and heartache for a moment.

ASTA.

You _must_ do so, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

But don’t you think it is terribly weak and unfeeling of me—to be able to do so?

ASTA.

Oh, no—I am sure it is impossible to keep circling for ever round one fixed thought.

ALLMERS.

Yes, for me it is impossible. Before you came to me, here I sat, torturing myself unspeakably with this crushing, gnawing sorrow——

ASTA.

Yes?

ALLMERS.

And would you believe it, Asta——? H’m——

ASTA.

Well?

ALLMERS.

In the midst of all the agony, I found myself speculating what we should have for dinner to-day.

ASTA.

[_Soothingly._] Well, well, if only it rests you to——

ALLMERS.

Yes, just fancy, dear—it seemed as if it did give me rest. [_Holds out his hand to her across the table._] How good it is, Asta, that I have you with me. I am so glad of that. Glad, glad—even in my sorrow.

ASTA.

[_Looking earnestly at him._] You ought most of all to be glad that you have Rita.

ALLMERS.

Yes, of course I should. But Rita is no kin to me—it isn’t like having a sister.

ASTA.

[_Eagerly._] Do you say that, Alfred?

ALLMERS.

Yes, _our_ family is a thing apart. [_Half jestingly._] We have always had vowels for our initials. Don’t you remember how often we used to speak of that? And all our relations—all equally poor. And we have all the same colour of eyes.

ASTA.

Do you think I have——?

ALLMERS.

No, you take entirely after your mother. You are not in the least like the rest of us—not even like father. But all the same——

ASTA.

All the same——?

ALLMERS.

Well, I believe that living together has, as it were, stamped us in each other’s image—mentally, I mean.

ASTA.

[_With warm emotion._] Oh, you must never say that, Alfred. It is only I that have taken my stamp from you; and it is to you that I owe everything—every _good_ thing in the world.

ALLMERS.

[_Shaking his head._] You owe me nothing, Asta. On the contrary——

ASTA.

I owe you everything! You must never doubt that. No sacrifice has been too great for you——

ALLMERS.

[_Interrupting._] Oh, nonsense—sacrifice! Don’t talk of such a thing.—I have only loved you, Asta, ever since you were a little child. [_After a short pause._] And then it always seemed to me that I had so much injustice to make up to you for.

ASTA.

[_Astonished._] Injustice? You?

ALLMERS.

Not precisely on my own account. But——

ASTA.

[_Eagerly._] But——?

ALLMERS.

On father’s.

ASTA.

[_Half rising from the bench._] On—father’s! [_Sitting down again._] What do you mean by that, Alfred?

ALLMERS.

Father was never really kind to you.

ASTA.

[_Vehemently._] Oh, don’t say that!

ALLMERS.

Yes, it is true. He did not love you—not as he ought to have.

ASTA.

[_Evasively._] No, perhaps not as he loved you. That was only natural.

ALLMERS.

[_Continuing._] And he was often hard to your mother, too—at least in the last years.

ASTA.

[_Softly._] Mother was so much, much younger than he—remember that.

ALLMERS.

Do you think they were not quite suited to each other?

ASTA.

Perhaps not.

ALLMERS.

Yes, but still——. Father, who in other ways was so gentle and warm-hearted—so kindly towards every one——

ASTA.

[_Quietly._] Mother, too, was not always as she ought to have been.

ALLMERS.

Your mother was not!

ASTA.

Perhaps not always.

ALLMERS.

Towards father, do you mean?

ASTA.

Yes.

ALLMERS.

I never noticed that.

ASTA.

[_Struggling with her tears, rises._] Oh, my dear Alfred—let them rest—those who are gone.

[_She goes towards the right._

ALLMERS.

[_Rising._] Yes, let them rest. [_Wringing his hands._] But those who are gone—it is they that won’t let us rest, Asta. Neither day nor night.

ASTA.

[_Looks warmly at him._] Time will make it all seem easier, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

[_Looking helplessly at her._] Yes, don’t you think it will?—But how I am to get over these terrible first days [_Hoarsely._]—that is what I cannot imagine.

ASTA.

[_Imploringly, laying her hands on his shoulders._] Go up to Rita. Oh, please do——

ALLMERS.

[_Vehemently, withdrawing from her._] No, no, no—don’t talk to me of that! I cannot, I tell you. [_More calmly._] Let me remain here, with you.

ASTA.

Well, I will not leave you.

ALLMERS.

[_Seizing her hand and holding it fast._] Thank you for that! [_Looks out for a time over the fiord._] Where is my little Eyolf now? [_Smiling sadly to her._] Can you tell me that—my big, wise Eyolf? [_Shaking his head._] No one in all the world can tell me that. I know only this one terrible thing—that he is gone from me.

ASTA.

[_Looking up to the left, and withdrawing her hand._] Here they are coming.

[Mrs. ALLMERS _and_ Engineer BORGHEIM _come down by the wood-path,
she leading the way. She wears a dark dress and a black veil
over her head. He has an umbrella under his arm._

ALLMERS.

[_Going to meet her._] How is it with you, Rita?

RITA.

[_Passing him._] Oh, don’t ask.

ALLMERS.

Why do you come here?

RITA.

Only to look for you. What are you doing?

ALLMERS.

Nothing. Asta came down to me.

RITA.

Yes, but before Asta came? You have been away from me all the morning.

ALLMERS.

I have been sitting here looking out over the water.

RITA.

Ugh,—how can you?

ALLMERS.

[_Impatiently._] I like best to be alone now.

RITA.

[_Moving restlessly about._] And then to sit still! To stay in one place!

ALLMERS.

I have nothing in the world to move for.

RITA.

I cannot bear to be anywhere long. Least of all here—with the fiord at my very feet.

ALLMERS.

It is just the nearness of the fiord——

RITA.

[_To BORGHEIM._] Don’t you think he should come back with the rest of us?

BORGHEIM.

[_To ALLMERS._] I believe it would be better for you.

ALLMERS.

No, no; let me stay where I am.

RITA.

Then I will stay with you, Alfred.

ALLMERS.

Very well; do so, then. You remain too, Asta.

ASTA.

[_Whispers to BORGHEIM._] Let us leave them alone!

BORGHEIM.

[_With a glance of comprehension._] Miss Allmers, shall we go a little further—along the shore? For the very last time?

ASTA.

[_Taking her umbrella._] Yes, come. Let us go a little further.

[_ASTA and BORGHEIM go out together behind the boat-shed. ALLMERS
wanders about for a little. Then he seats himself on a stone
under the trees on the left._

RITA.

[_Comes up and stands before him, her hands folded and hanging down._] Can you think the thought, Alfred—that we have lost Eyolf?

ALLMERS.

[_Looking sadly at the ground._] We must accustom ourselves to think it.

RITA.

I cannot. I cannot. And then that horrible sight that will haunt me all my life long.

ALLMERS.

[_Looking up._] What sight? What have you seen?

RITA.

I have seen nothing myself. I have only heard it told. Oh——!

ALLMERS.

You may as well tell me at once.

RITA.

I got Borgheim to go down with me to the pier——

ALLMERS.

What did you want there?

RITA.

To question the boys as to how it happened.

ALLMERS.

But we know that.

RITA.

We got to know more.

ALLMERS.

Well?

RITA.

It is not true that he disappeared all at once.

ALLMERS.

Do they say that now?

RITA.

Yes. They say they saw him lying down on the bottom. Deep down in the clear water.

ALLMERS.

[_Grinding his teeth._] And they didn’t save him!

RITA.

I suppose they could not.

ALLMERS.

They could swim—every one of them. Did they tell you how he was lying whilst they could see him?

RITA.

Yes. They said he was lying on his back. And with great, open eyes.

ALLMERS.

Open eyes. But quite still?

RITA.

Yes, quite still. And then something came and swept him away. They called it the undertow.

ALLMERS.

[_Nodding slowly._] So that was the last they saw of him.

RITA.

[_Suffocated with tears._] Yes.

ALLMERS.

[_In a dull voice._] And never—never will any one see him again.

RITA.

[_Wailing._] I shall see him day and night, as he lay down there.

ALLMERS.

With great, open eyes.

RITA.

[_Shuddering._] Yes, with great, open eyes. I see them! I see them now!

ALLMERS.

[_Rises slowly and looks with quiet menace at her._] Were they evil, those eyes, Rita?

RITA.

[_Turning pale._] Evil——!

ALLMERS.

[_Going close up to her._] Were they evil eyes that stared up? Up from the depths?

RITA.

[_Shrinking from him._] Alfred——!

ALLMERS.

[_Following her._] Answer me! Were they a child’s evil eyes?

RITA.

[_Shrieks._] Alfred! Alfred!

ALLMERS.

Now things have come about—just as you wished, Rita.

RITA.

I! What did _I_ wish?

ALLMERS.

That Eyolf was not here.

RITA.

Never for a moment have I wished that! That Eyolf should not stand between us—that was what I wished.

ALLMERS.

Well, well—he does not stand between us any more.

RITA.

[_Softly, gazing straight before her._] Perhaps now more than ever. [_With a sudden shudder._] Oh, that horrible sight!

ALLMERS.

[_Nods._] The child’s evil eyes.

RITA.

[_In dread, recoiling from him._] Let me be, Alfred! I am afraid of you. I have never seen you like this before.

ALLMERS.

[_Looks harshly and coldly at her._] Sorrow makes us wicked and hateful.

RITA.

[_Terrified, and yet defiant._] That is what I feel, too.

[_ALLMERS goes towards the right and looks out over the fiord. RITA
seats herself at the table. A short pause._

ALLMERS.

[_Turning his head towards her._] You never really and truly loved him—never!

RITA.

[_With cold self-control._] Eyolf would never let me take him really and truly to my heart.

ALLMERS.

Because you did not want to.

RITA.

Oh yes, I did. I did want to. But some one stood in the way—even from the first.

ALLMERS.

[_Turning right round._] Do you mean that _I_ stood in the way?

RITA.

Oh, no—not at first.

ALLMERS.

[_Coming nearer her._] Who, then?

RITA.

His aunt.

ALLMERS.

Asta?

RITA.

Yes. Asta stood and barred the way for me.

ALLMERS.

Can you say that, Rita?

RITA.

Yes. Asta—she took him to her heart—from the moment that happened—that miserable fall.

ALLMERS.

If she did so, she did it in love.

RITA.

[_Vehemently._] That is just it! I cannot endure to share anything with any one! Not in love.

ALLMERS.

We two should have shared him between us in love.

RITA.

[_Looking scornfully at him._] We? Oh, the truth is you have never had any real love for him either.

ALLMERS.

[_Looks at her in astonishment_] _I_ have not——!

RITA.

No, you have not. At first you were so utterly taken up by that book of yours—about Responsibility.

ALLMERS.

[_Forcibly._] Yes, I was. But my very book—I sacrificed for Eyolf’s sake.

RITA.

Not out of love for him.

ALLMERS.

Why then, do you suppose?

RITA.

Because you were consumed with mistrust of yourself. Because you had begun to doubt whether you had any great vocation to live for in the world.

ALLMERS.

[_Observing her closely._] Could you see that in me?

RITA.

Oh, yes—little by little. And then you needed something new to fill up your life.—It seems _I_ was not enough for you any longer.

ALLMERS.

That is the law of change, Rita.

RITA.

And that was why you wanted to make a prodigy of poor little Eyolf.

ALLMERS.

That was not what I wanted. I wanted to make a happy human being of him.—That, and nothing more.

RITA.

But not out of love for him. Look into yourself! [_With a certain shyness of expression._] Search out all that lies under—and behind your action.

ALLMERS.

[_Avoiding her eyes._] There is something you shrink from saying.

RITA.

And you too.

ALLMERS.

[_Looks thoughtfully at her._] If it is as you say, then we two have never really possessed our own child.

RITA.

No. Not in perfect love.

ALLMERS.

And yet we are sorrowing so bitterly for him.

RITA.

[_With sarcasm._] Yes, isn’t it curious that we should grieve like this over a little stranger boy?

ALLMERS.

[_With an outburst._] Oh, don’t call him a stranger!

RITA.

[_Sadly shaking her head._] We never won the boy, Alfred. Not I—nor you either.

ALLMERS.

[_Wringing his hands._] And now it is too late! Too late!

RITA.

And no consolation anywhere—in anything.

ALLMERS.

[_With sudden passion._] _You_ are the guilty one in this!

RITA.

[_Rising._] I!

ALLMERS.

Yes, you! It was your fault that he became—what he was! It was your fault that he could not save himself when he fell into the water.

RITA.

[_With a gesture of repulsion._] Alfred—you _shall_ not throw the blame upon me!

ALLMERS.

[_More and more beside himself._] Yes, yes, I do! It was you that left the helpless child unwatched upon the table.

RITA.

He was lying so comfortably among the cushions, and sleeping so soundly. And you had promised to look after him.

ALLMERS.

Yes, I had. [_Lowering his voice._] But then you came—you, you, you—and lured me to you.

RITA.

[_Looking defiantly at him._] Oh, better own at once that you forgot the child and everything else.

ALLMERS.

[_In suppressed desperation._] Yes, that is true. [_Lower._] I forgot the child—in your arms!

RITA.

[_Exasperated._] Alfred! Alfred—this is intolerable of you!

ALLMERS.

[_In a low voice, clenching his fists before her face._] In that hour you condemned little Eyolf to death.

RITA.

[_Wildly._] You, too! You, too—if it is as you say!

ALLMERS.

Oh yes—call me to account, too—if you will. We have sinned, both of us. And so, after all, there _was_ retribution in Eyolf’s death.

RITA.

Retribution?

ALLMERS.

[_With more self-control._] Yes. Judgment upon you and me. Now, as we stand here, we have our deserts. While he lived, we let ourselves shrink away from him in secret, abject remorse. We could not bear to see it—the thing he had to drag with him——

RITA.

[_Whispers._] The crutch.

ALLMERS.