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!