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.
