[A pretty and richly-decorated garden-room, full of furniture, flowers, and plants. At the back, open glass doors, leading out to a verandah. An extensive view over the fiord. In the distance, wooded hillsides. A door in each of the side walls, the one on the right a folding door, placed far back. In front on the right, a sofa, with cushions and rugs. Beside the sofa, a small table, and chairs. In front, on the left, a larger table, with arm-chairs around it. On the table stands an open hand-bag. It is an early summer morning, with warm sunshine.] [Mrs. RITA ALLMERS stands beside the table, facing towards the left, engaged in unpacking the bag. She is a handsome, rather tall, well-developed blonde, about thirty years of age, dressed in a light-coloured morning-gown.] [Shortly after, Miss ASTA ALLMERS enters by the door on the right, wearing a light brown 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 of 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? ASTA. [Joyfully, approaching her.] What! Has Alfred come home? RITA. Yes, only think-he came quite unexpectedly by the late train last night.
