)
Lona (looking after her): Poor Betty! (BERNICK comes in from his
room. He stops at the door to speak to KRAP.)
Bernick: Yes, that is excellent, Krap--capital! Send twenty pounds
to the fund for dinners to the poor. (Turns round.) Lona! (Comes
forward.) Are you alone? Is Betty not coming in?
Lona: No. Would you like me to call her?
Bernick: No, no--not at all. Oh, Lona, you don't know how anxious
I have been to speak openly to you--after having begged for your
forgiveness.
Lona: Look here, Karsten--do not let us be sentimental; it
doesn't suit us.
Bernick: You must listen to me, Lona. I know only too well how
much appearances are against me, as you have learnt all about
that affair with Dina's mother. But I swear to you that it was
only a temporary infatuation; I was really, truly and honestly,
in love with you once.
Lona: Why do you think I have come home?
Bernick: Whatever you have in your mind, I entreat, you to do
nothing until I have exculpated myself. I can do that, Lona; at
all events I can excuse myself.
Lona: Now you are frightened. You once were in love with me, you
say. Yes, you told me that often enough in your letters; and
perhaps it was true, too--in a way--as long as you were living
out in the great, free world which gave you the courage to think
freely and greatly.
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