Well, as we were getting near town, you see, I happened to drop a little behind the others. Only for a minute or two—fancy that!

Hedda.

Yes yes yes, but——?

Tesman.

And then, as I hurried after them—what do you think I found by the wayside? Eh?

Hedda.

Oh, how should I know!

Tesman.

You mustn’t speak of it to a soul, Hedda! Do you hear! Promise me, for Eilert’s sake. [Draws a parcel, wrapped in paper, from his coat pocket.] Fancy, dear—I found this.

Hedda.