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[Imploringly.] But, Alfred, you must stay at home here with Rita now. [Without answering, turns to ] You may find it a good thing, after all, that you have to take your journey alone. [Annoyed.] Oh, how can you say such a thing? You see, you can never tell whom you might happen to meet afterwards—on the way. [Involuntarily.] Alfred! The right fellow-traveller—when it is too late—too late. [Softly, quivering.] Alfred! Alfred! [Looking from one to the other.] What is the meaning of this? I don't understand [ comes up from the left at the back.

[Plaintively.] Oh, don't go away from me, all of you!