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.