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 this year. He ought to have gone for a tramp in the mountains every summer—he really ought.

Rita.

[Half smiling.] Oh yes, it's all very well for you to talk. If I were as—as reasonable as you, I suppose I should have let him go before—perhaps. But I positively could not, Asta! It seemed to me I should never get him back again. Surely you can understand that?

Asta.

No. But I daresay that is because I have no one to lose.

Rita.

[With a teasing smile.] Really? No one at all?

Asta.

Not that I know of. [Changing the subject.] But tell me, Rita, where is Alfred? Is he still asleep?

Rita.

Oh, not at all. He got up as early as ever to-day.

Asta.

Then he can't have been so very tired after all.

Rita.

Yes, he was last night—when he arrived. But now he has had little Eyolf with him in his room for a whole hour and more.