him, Alfred!

ALLMERS. As a schoolmaster, yes; but not as a father. And it is a
father that I want henceforth to be to Eyolf.

RITA. [Looking at him and shaking her head.] I don't think I quite
understand you.

ALLMERS. I mean that I will try with all my might to make his
misfortune as painless and easy to him as it can possibly be.

RITA. Oh, but, dear--thank Heaven, I don't think he feels it so
deeply.

ASTA. [With emotion.] Yes, Rita, he does.

ALLMERS. Yes, you may be sure he feels it deeply.

RITA. [Impatiently.] But, Alfred, what more can you do for him?

ALLMERS. I will try to perfect all the rich possibilities that are
dawning in his childish soul. I will foster all the germs of good
in his nature--make them blossom and bear fruit. [With more and
more warmth, rising.] And I will do more than that! I will help him
to bring his desires into harmony with what lies attainable before
him. That is just what at present they are not. All his longings
are for things that must for ever remain unattainable to him. But
I will create a conscious happiness in his mind. [He goes once or
twice up and down the room. ASTA and RITA follow him with their
eyes.]