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 serving-materials and a little paper parcel out of her
pocket. ALLMERS sits looking on absently.]

ALLMERS. What leave you got there, Asta?