Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 11).djvu/36

 ''summer dress, with hat, jacket, and parasol. Under her arm she carries a locked portfolio of considerable size. She is slim, of middle height, with dark hair, and deep, earnest eyes. Twenty-five years old.''

Asta.

[As she enters.] Good-morning, my dear Rita.

Rita.

[Turns her head, and nods to her.] What! is that you, Asta? Come all the way from town so early?

Asta.

[Takes off her things, and lays them on a chair beside the door.] Yes, such a restless feeling came over me. I felt I must come out to-day, and see how little Eyolf was getting on—and you too. [''Lays the portfolio on the table beside the sofa.''] So I took the steamer, and here I am.

Rita.

[Smiling to her.] And I daresay you met one or other of your friends on board? Quite by chance, of course.

Asta.

[Quietly.] No, I did not meet a soul I knew. [Sees the bag.] Why, Rita, what have you got there?

Rita.

[Still unpacking.] Alfred's travelling-bag. Don't you recognise it?