From Act II

RITA (comes up and stands before him, her hands folded and hanging down).
Can you think the thought, Alfred – that we have lost Eyolf?

ALFRED (looking sadly at the ground).
We accustom ourselves to think it. (…) Now things have come about – just as you wished, Rita.

RITA.
What did I wish?

ALFRED.
That Eyolf was not here.

RITA.
Never for a moment have I wished that. That Eyolf should not stand between us – that was what I wished.

ALFRED.
Well, well, he does not stand between us anymore.

RITA (softly, gazing straight before her).
Perhaps now more than ever.

Transl. by William Archer.

Alfred Allmers comes home to his wife Rita and son Eyolf after a long journey. His half sister Asta comes for a visit. There is an obvious crisis in Alfred and Rita's marriage. Rita is jealous at both her sister-in-law and her own son. Alfred suffers from pangs of conscience regarding his wife, whom he does not love any more, and his son, who became an invalid as a small boy due to an injury that occurred when his parents were not watching him. When the old lady, the rat virgin, has paid a visit, little Eyolf follows her in a trance, down to the pier where he falls in the water and drowns. Alfred and Rita are stunned by the loss of their child, but they also now realize to what degree they both have been neglecting their son. Alfred and Asta also have a talk, and their relationship, which has always had an erotic edge, becomes impossible when they discover that they are not blood relatives. Asta leaves for good, while Alfred and Rita remain, resigned, but still together.