RITA (_decidedly_): No one from Rudolstadt will do that. They are too well trained for that. You see it by your own person. But go on! If I would care to, if I really would return--what then? FRIEDRICH: Then? Well, then, you would be in the midst of the family and society again--and then---- RITA: And then? FRIEDRICH: Then, after some time has elapsed and you feel at home and when all is forgotten, as though nothing had ever happened---- RITA: But a great deal has happened. FRIEDRICH: Erna, you must not take me for such a Philistine that I would mind that. At heart I am unprejudiced. No, really, I know (_softly_) my own fault, and I know Life. I know very well, and I cannot ask it of you, that you, in a career like yours, you---- RITA: Hm? FRIEDRICH: Well, that you should have remained entirely faultless. And I do not ask it of you either. RITA: You do well at that. FRIEDRICH: I mean, whatever has happened within these four years--lies beyond us, does not concern me--but shall not concern you any longer either. Rita Revera has ceased to be--Erna Hattenbach returns to her family. RITA: Lovely, very lovely. Hm!--but then, what then? Shall I start a cooking school? FRIEDRICH (_with a gentle reproach_): But, Erna! Don't you understand me? Could you think of anything else than---- Of course, I shall marry you then. (_Rita looks at him puzzled._) FRIEDRICH: But that is self-evident. Why should I have looked you up otherwise? Why should I be here? But, dear Erna, don't look so stunned. RITA (_still stares at him_): "Simply--marry." Strange. (_She turns around towards the open piano, plays and sings softly_) Farilon, farila, farilette. FRIEDRICH (_has risen_): Erna! Do not torment me! RITA: Torment? No. That would not be right. You are a good fellow. Give me a kiss. (_She rises._) FRIEDRICH (_embraces and kisses her_): My Erna! Oh, you have grown so much prettier! So much prettier! (_Rita leans her head on his shoulder._) FRIEDRICH: But now come. Let us not lose one moment. (_Rita does not move_.) FRIEDRICH: If possible let everything be.... Come! (_He pushes her with gentle force_) You cry? RITA (_hastily wipes the tears from her eyes, controls herself_): O, nonsense. Rita Revera does not cry--she laughs. (_Laughs forcedly._) FRIEDRICH: Erna, do not use that name. I do not care to hear it again! RITA: Oh--you do not want to hear it any more. You would like to command me. You come here and assume that that which life and hard times have made of me you can wipe out in a half hour! No! You do not know life and know nothing of me. (_Harshly_) My name is Revera, and I shall not marry a merchant from Rudolstadt. FRIEDRICH: How is that? You still hesitate?