ACT II.
[Hjalmar Ekdal’sstudio. The room is fairly large: it is evidently at the top of the house. To the right a slanting roof with large panes of glass, half covered by a blue curtain. In a corner, to the right of the stage, is the entrance-door; lower down, on the same side, a door leading to the sitting-room. At the back to the left, there are also two doors, an iron stove between them. In the wall at the back there is a wide sliding door, which can be pushed aside. The studio is plainly, but comfortably arranged and furnished. Between the doors on the right, a little away from the wall, there is a sofa, with a table and a few chairs; on the table a lamp with a shade, by the stove an old arm-chair. All sorts of photographic apparatus and instruments are distributed about the room. In the back wall to the left of the sliding door is a book case, with a few books, boxes, and bottles of chemicals, instruments, tools, etc. Photographs and odds and ends, such as camel-hair brushes, paper, and the like, lie on the table.]Gina Ekdalis sitting on a chair by the table, sewing.Hedvigis sitting on the sofa, her hands shading her eyes, and her thumbs in her ears, reading a book.
[Hjalmar Ekdal’sstudio. The room is fairly large: it is evidently at the top of the house. To the right a slanting roof with large panes of glass, half covered by a blue curtain. In a corner, to the right of the stage, is the entrance-door; lower down, on the same side, a door leading to the sitting-room. At the back to the left, there are also two doors, an iron stove between them. In the wall at the back there is a wide sliding door, which can be pushed aside. The studio is plainly, but comfortably arranged and furnished. Between the doors on the right, a little away from the wall, there is a sofa, with a table and a few chairs; on the table a lamp with a shade, by the stove an old arm-chair. All sorts of photographic apparatus and instruments are distributed about the room. In the back wall to the left of the sliding door is a book case, with a few books, boxes, and bottles of chemicals, instruments, tools, etc. Photographs and odds and ends, such as camel-hair brushes, paper, and the like, lie on the table.]
Gina Ekdalis sitting on a chair by the table, sewing.Hedvigis sitting on the sofa, her hands shading her eyes, and her thumbs in her ears, reading a book.
Gina(looks at her several times, as if with suppressed anxiety; then she says): Hedvig! (Hedvigdoes not hear her andGinasays in a louder tone): Hedvig!
Hedvig(moving her hands and looking up). Yes, mother.
Gina.Dear Hedvig, youmustn’tsit reading there any longer.
Hedvig.Oh, but my mother, mayn’t I read a little longer? Just a little bit?
Gina.No, no; you must put the book away now. Your father doesn’t like it. He never reads himself of an evening.
Hedvig(shutting the door). No, father doesn’t bother much about reading.
Gina(putting down her work and taking up a pencil and small note book from the table). Can you remember how much the butter came to to-day?
Hedvig.Onekroneand sixty-five ore.
Gina.That’s right. (Entering it.) It’s awful the amount of butter we get through here. And then there was the smoked sausage and cheese. Let me see—(writing) and then there was the ham—h’m! (Reckoning it up.) Yes, it makes just——
Hedvig.And then there’s the beer.
Gina.Yes, of course. (Writing.) It does run up—but it can’t be helped.
Hedvig.But then we didn’t want a hot dinner, as father was out.
Gina.No, luckily. And then besides I took eight crowns, fifty ore for the photographs.
Hedvig.Fancy! So much as that?
Gina.Exactly eight crowns, fifty ore.
A pause.Ginatakes up her work.Hedvigtakes up paper and pencil and begins drawing something, shading her eyes with her left hand.
A pause.Ginatakes up her work.Hedvigtakes up paper and pencil and begins drawing something, shading her eyes with her left hand.
Hedvig.Isn’t it funny to think of father having a grand dinner at Mr. Werle’s?
Gina.You can’t say he’s dining with Mr. Werle. You know it was his son who invited him. (Quickly.) We’ve nothing to do with Mr. Werle.
Hedvig.I’m looking forward so to father coming home. For he promised he’d ask Mrs. Sorby for something nice for me.
Gina.Yes, you may be sure there are plenty of good things in that house.
Hedvig(going on drawing). And I’m just a little bit hungry, too.
Old Ekdal,with a parcel of papers under his arm, and another in his coat-pocket, comes in through the entrance-door.
Old Ekdal,with a parcel of papers under his arm, and another in his coat-pocket, comes in through the entrance-door.
Gina.How late grandfather is to-day.
Ekdal.They’d locked the office. Had to wait with Graberg. And then they let me pass out. H’m!
Hedvig.Did they give you anything more to copy, grandfather?
Ekdal.All this lot. Look!
Gina.That is good.
Hedvig.And you’ve a parcel in your pocket too.
Ekdal.Oh, nonsense, that’s nothing! (Puts his stick in the corner.) This’ll find me in work for a long time, this will, Gina. (Pushing the one-half of the door in the back a little aside.) Hush! (He looks into the room for a moment, and carefully pushes the other side of the door back.) He! he! They’re all asleep together in a bunch. And even she’s got into the basket. He! he!
Hedvig.Are you quite sure she’s not cold in the basket, grandfather?
Ekdal.What an idea? Cold? With all that straw? (Goes to the further door left.) I suppose I shall find matches?
Gina.The matches are on the chest of drawers.
Ekdalgoes into the room.
Ekdalgoes into the room.
Hedvig.It is a good thing grandfather’s got all that copying to do!
Gina.Yes, poor old father: so he’ll make a little pocket-money for himself.
Hedvig.And so he can’t spend all the morning down there at that horrid Mrs. Ericksen’s restaurant.
Gina.That is true, too.
A short pause.
A short pause.
Hedvig.Do you think they are still at table?
Gina.Goodness knows, but it’s likely enough.
Hedvig.Just fancy all the delicious things father’ll have for dinner! I’m sure he’ll be in good spirits and cheerful when he comes back. Don’t you think he will, mother?
Gina.Yes; but if we could only tell him we’d let the room.
Hedvig.But there’s no need to do that to-night.
Gina.Oh, it’ll come in well enough, my dear. And it’s no good to us.
Hedvig.No, I mean we don’t need it to-night, because father’ll be in good spirits anyhow. We’d better save up the room for another time.
Gina(looking across at her). Are you glad to have something pleasant to tell father, when he comes home of an evening?
Hedvig.Yes, for then he’s much more cheerful.
Gina(absently to herself). Oh, yes, there’s something in that.
OldEkdalcomes in again, and is going out by the lower door, left.
OldEkdalcomes in again, and is going out by the lower door, left.
Gina(half turning round on her chair). Do you want anything in the kitchen, grandfather?
Ekdal.I do; yes. Sit still.
Goes out.
Goes out.
Gina.Surely he’s not raking about in the glowing embers? (Waiting a moment.) Hedvig, just see what he’s after.
Ekdalcomes in again with a small jug of steaming water.
Ekdalcomes in again with a small jug of steaming water.
Hedvig.Have you been getting warm water, grandfather?
Ekdal.Yes, I have. Want it for something I’ve got to write, and the ink’s as thick as porridge—h’m!
Gina.But, grandfather, you should have supper first. It’s quite ready.
Ekdal.Never mind about supper, Gina. Have lots of work, I tell you. I won’t have anyone come to my room. No one—h’m!
He goes into his room.GinaandHedviglook at one another.
He goes into his room.GinaandHedviglook at one another.
Gina(in a low voice). Can you imagine where he gets the money from?
Hedvig.No doubt he’s got it from Graberg.
Gina.Oh, no! Graberg always sends the money to me.
Hedvig.Then he must have got a bottle on trust somewhere.
Gina.Poor old grandfather! It’s a long while since anyone’d trust him with anything. (Hjalmar Ekdalenters, right, in a top coat and grey felt hat. Throwing down her work and getting up.) Well, I never, Ekdal, you here already?
Hedvig(jumping up at the same time). Fancy! You here so soon, father?
Hjalmar(putting down his hat). Yes; most of them were leaving.
Hedvig.So early?
Hjalmar.Yes, it was a dinner-party. (About to take off his top coat.)
Gina.Let me help you.
Hedvig.And me, too.
They help him off with his coat.Ginahangs it up on the wall at back.
They help him off with his coat.Ginahangs it up on the wall at back.
Hedvig.Were there many people there, father?
Hjalmar.Oh, no, not many. There were twelve or fourteen of us at table.
Gina.And I suppose you chatted with all of them?
Hjalmar.Oh, yes, a little. But it was Gregers who especially monopolized me.
Gina.And is Gregers as ugly as ever?
Hjalmar.Well, he’s not exactly good-looking yet. Hasn’t the old man come home yet?
Hedvig.Yes, grandfather’s in there writing.
Hjalmar.Did he say anything?
Gina.No. What should he say?
Hjalmar.Didn’t he say anything about—I thought I heard he’d been to Graberg’s. I’ll just go in to him a moment.
Gina.No, no, you’d better not.
Hjalmar.Why not? Did he say he wouldn’t have me in there?
Gina.He won’t have anyone in this evening.
Hedvig(making signs). H’m! h’m!
Gina(not seeing her). He’s been in here, and got warm water.
Hjalmar.Aha! He’s sitting in there?
Gina.Yes, that’s so.
Hjalmar.Good Heavens! My poor, white-haired old father?—Yes, just let him alone for once and enjoy himself.
OldEkdalin an old coat, and with a lighted pipe, enters from his room.
OldEkdalin an old coat, and with a lighted pipe, enters from his room.
Ekdal.Got home? I thought I heard you chattering.
Hjalmar.I’ve just come in.
Ekdal.So you didn’t see me? You didn’t?
Hjalmar.No, but they said you’d passed through the room—and so I came after you.
Ekdal.H’m! Very good of you, Hjalmar. What sort of people were they?
Hjalmar.Oh, all sorts of people. There was Chamberlain Flor, and Chamberlain Balle, and Chamberlain Kasperson—and Chamberlain—so and so—I don’t know.
Ekdal(nodding). Listen tothat, Gina. He’s been with nothing but Chamberlains.
Gina.Yes, they are awfully grand up at the house now.
Hedvig.Did the Chamberlains sing, father, or did they recite something?
Hjalmar.No, they only chatted. They wanted me to recite—but I wouldn’t.
Ekdal.You wouldn’t?
Gina.But surely you might have done that.
Hjalmar.No, one can’t provide entertainment for everybody. (Walking up and down.) At any rate, I can’t.
Ekdal.No, no, Hjalmar’s not to be got so easily.
Hjalmar.I really don’t see why I should provide entertainment, when I once in a way happen to go out. Let others do it. Here are these fine folk dining in grand houses day out, day in. Let them be thankful and amiable for all the good meals they get.
Gina.But surely you didn’t say that!
Hjalmar(humming). Ha! ha! ha! They had put up all sorts of things.
Ekdal.Even the Chamberlains?
Hjalmar.They didn’t get off scot-free. (Lightly.) Then we had a little discussion as to Tokay.
Ekdal.Tokay? You? That’s a fine wine, that is.
Hjalmar(standing still suddenly). Itmaybe fine, but I may tell you all vintages are not equally good. It depends upon the amount of sunshine the vine has had.
Gina.Why, you really know everything, Ekdal.
Ekdal.And there was a discussion about that?
Hjalmar.They wanted to prove that; but then it was proved to them that it was exactly the same withChamberlains. With them too, all vintages were not equally good—so some one said.
Gina.No! What things you do think of?
Ekdal.He, he! And they had to put that in their pipes and smoke it?
Hjalmar.They had it straight to their faces.
Ekdal.Fancy, Gina, he said that straight to the Chamberlain’s faces.
Gina.Only think, straight to their faces.
Hjalmar.Yes, but I don’t wish it talked about. One doesn’t repeat such things. Besides, of course it all passed off quite good-naturedly. Why, they were nice, pleasant people why should I wound them? No!
Ekdal.But straight to their faces——
Hedvig(coaxingly). How nice it is to see you in a dress-coat. You look so well in a dress-coat, father.
Hjalmar.Yes, don’t you think so? And this one really sits faultlessly. It fits almost as if it had been made for me—a little tight in the arm-pits, perhaps. Help me, Hedvig. (Takes off the coat.) I’d rather put on my jacket. Where is my jacket, Gina?
Gina.Here it is. (She fetches the jacket and helps him on with it.)
Hjalmar.That’s it. Be sure and remember to let Molvik have the dress-coat the first thing in the morning.
Gina(putting it down). I’ll see to it.
Hjalmar(stretching himself). Ah! After all, this is more comfortable. And, besides, this sort of loose, free, home-dress suits my whole style better. Don’t you think so, Hedvig?
Hedvig.Yes, father.
Hjalmar.When I tie my necktie like this, with loose ends, see, eh?
Hedvig.Yes, that looks very well with the moustache and the thick curly hair.
Hjalmar.One can’t call it exactly curly hair. I should rather say wavy.
Hedvig.Yes, for it’s in such great curls.
Hjalmar.Waves!
Hedvig(a little after, pulling his jacket). Father!
Hjalmar.Well, what is it?
Hedvig.Oh, you know well enough what it is.
Hjalmar.No, I really don’t.
Hedvig(laughing and pouting). Oh, you do, father. Now youmustn’ttease me any more.
Hjalmar.But what is it?
Hedvig(shaking him). Oh, nonsense. Now out with it, father. You know all the good things you promised me.
Hjalmar.Ah! and to think I should have forgotten it!
Hedvig.No, you only want to tease me, father! Oh, it’s too bad of you. Where’ve you put them?
Hjalmar.Well, I’ve not quite forgotten. But wait a moment! I’ve got something else for you, Hedvig. (Goes and searches in the pockets of his coat.)
Hedvig(jumping and clapping her hands). Oh, mother, mother!
Gina.You see, if you’ll only wait——
Hjalmar(with a paper). See, here we have it.
Hedvig.That? Why, that’s only a piece of paper.
Hjalmar.That’s the bill of fare; the whole bill of fare. Here is written “Menu;” that means bill of fare.
Hedvig.Haven’t you got anything else?
Hjalmar.I’ve forgotten the rest, I tell you. But you may take my word for it, these dainties are not very satisfying. Sit down there by the table and read out the list, and I’ll describe the dishes to you. See here, Hedvig.
Hedvig(choking back her tears). Thanks. (She sits down, but does not read.Ginamakes signs to her;Hjalmarnotices it.)
Hjalmar(walking up and down). It is really most extraordinary what things the bread-winner of a family is expected to remember, and if he forgets the least of them—he’s sure to be treated to black looks. Well, one gets used to that, too. (Stops near the stove, by the old man.) Have you peeped in there this evening, father?
Ekdal.Yes, you may be sure I did. She’s got into the basket.
Hjalmar.No!She’sgone into the basket? She’s beginning to get used to it.
Ekdal.Yes, that’s what I always said she would. But now, you see, there are a few little things——
Hjalmar.Some improvements—yes.
Ekdal.But they must be made, you know.
Hjalmar.Yes, let’s have a little chat about the improvements, father. Come here, let’s sit on the sofa.
Ekdal.All right. H’m—think I’ll fill my pipe first—and must clean it. H’m! (He goes into his room.)
Gina(smiling atHjalmar). Clean his pipe, too!
Hjalmar.Ah, well! Gina, let him alone. My poor shipwrecked father! Yes—the improvements—we’d best set about them to-morrow.
Gina.You’ll not have any time to-morrow, Ekdal——
Hedvig(interrupting). Oh, yes, he will, mother.
Gina.Remember those copies that have to be touched up; they’ve sent here now so many times for them.
Hjalmar.Really? So now it’s the copies again! They’ll be ready soon enough. Have there been any fresh orders?
Gina.No, worse luck, to-morrow I’ve nothing but the two portraits you know of.
Hjalmar.Nothing else? Oh, no, when one makes no effort——
Gina.But what am I to do? I put in all the advertisements I can afford, I’m sure.
Hjalmar.Yes, advertisements, advertisements. You see how much good they are. And so, I suppose, no one’s been after this room, either?
Gina.No, not yet.
Hjalmar.That was to be expected. When one makes no effort to—— One really must pull oneself together, Gina.
Hedvig(going up to him). Shall I fetch your flute, father?
Hjalmar.No, no flute. I ask no pleasures here on earth. (Walking up and down.) Yes, yes, I’ll work hard to-morrow, there shall be no lack of that. I’ll work as long as my strength holds out——
Gina.But, dear good Ekdal, I didn’t mean it inthatway.
Hedvig.Father, shall I bring in a bottle of beer?
Hjalmar.No, nothing at all. I want nothing for myself. (Standing still.) Beer?—was it beer you said?
Hedvig(brightly). Yes, father; lovely, fresh beer.
Hjalmar.Well, if youwillinsist, you may as well bring in a bottle.
Gina.Yes, do, and then we’ll make ourselves comfortable.
Hedvigruns towards the kitchen door.
Hedvigruns towards the kitchen door.
Hjalmar(by the stove; stops her, looks at her, takes her head, and presses her to him). Hedvig! Hedvig!
Hedvig(gladly, with tears in her eyes). Ah! Dear father!
Hjalmar.No, do not call me that! There have I been sitting at the rich man’s table and taking thought for myself—there have I sat and reveled at the groaning board. And yet I could not——
Gina(sitting by the table). Oh, nonsense, nonsense, Ekdal.
Hjalmar.Yes! But you must not be too hard upon me. You know that I am very fond of you, all the same.
Hedvig(embracing him). And we are so immensely fond of you!
Hjalmar.And if now and again I should be unreasonable, bear in mind I am a man overwhelmed by a host of worries. No! (Drying his eyes.) No beer at such a moment! Give me the flute.
Hedvigruns to the book case and fetches it.
Hedvigruns to the book case and fetches it.
Hjalmar.Thanks. Now then. With the flute in my hand, and you two about me—ah!
Hedvig(sits down at the table nearGina;Hjalmarwalks up and down. Then he begins playing energetically a Bohemian folk-dance, but in slow, elegiac time, and with sentimental expression. He stops playing suddenly, holdsout his left hand toGina,and says in a moved tone). It may be poor and lowly under this roof, Gina, but it is home. But I tell you this—it is good to be here.
He begins playing again; presently a knock is heard at the entrance-door.
He begins playing again; presently a knock is heard at the entrance-door.
Gina(rising). Hush, Ekdal!—I think someone’s there.
Hjalmar(putting the flute into the book case). There again!
Ginagoes and opens the door.
Ginagoes and opens the door.
Gregers(outside in the passage). Excuse me——
Gina(stepping back a little). Oh!
Gregers.Does Mr. Ekdal, the photographer, live here?——
Gina.Yes, he does.
Hjalmar(going to the door). Gregers! Is it you after all? Well, come in.
Gregers(coming in). Yes, I told you I’d look you up.
Hjalmar.But to-night?—Have you left the party?
Gregers.Both the party and my father’s house. Good evening, Mrs. Ekdal. I don’t know if you recognize me?
Gina.Oh, yes! Young Mr. Werle is not very difficult to recognize.
Gregers.No—I am like my mother, and, no doubt, you remember her.
Hjalmar.And you have left the house, you say——
Gregers.Yes, I’ve moved into a hotel.
Hjalmar.Really! Well, as you’ve come, take off your things and sit down.
Gregers.Thanks. (He takes off his overcoat. He has changed into a simple gray suit of country make.)
Hjalmar.Here, on the sofa. Make yourself at home.
Gregerssits on the sofa,Hjalmaron a chair by the table.
Gregerssits on the sofa,Hjalmaron a chair by the table.
Gregers(looking round). So this is your place, Hjalmar. This is where you live.
Hjalmar.This is the studio, as you can see——
Gina.But it’s roomy; and so we prefer sitting here.
Hjalmar.We used to have better rooms, but this flat has one great advantage; there are such capital outer rooms.
Gina.And then we’ve a room on the other side of the passage that we can let.
Gregers(toHjalmar). Really—then you’ve lodgers, too.
Hjalmar.No, not yet. That’s not so easy, you see; one has to keep on the look out. (ToHedvig.) But how about that beer, Hedvig.
Hedvignods and goes into the kitchen.
Hedvignods and goes into the kitchen.
Gregers.Sothatis your daughter?
Hjalmar.Yes, that’s Hedvig.
Gregers.And she is your only child?
Hjalmar.She is the only one, yes. She is our greatest joy on earth, and (in a lower tone), she is also our greatest sorrow, Gregers.
Gregers.What’s that you say?
Hjalmar.Yes; for there is imminent danger of her losing her sight.
Gregers.Become blind!
Hjalmar.Yes. At present there are only the merest symptoms, and it may be a long while yet. But the doctor has warned us. It must inevitably come.
Gregers.That is a terrible misfortune! How did she get it?——
Hjalmar(sighing). It is probably hereditary.
Gregers(starting). Hereditary?
Gina.Ekdal’s mother had weak eyes, too.
Hjalmar.Yes, so father says; I can’t remember her.
Gregers.Poor child! And how does she take it?
Hjalmar.Ah! you may imagine, we’ve not had the heart to tell her anything. She has no idea of any danger. Joyous and free from care, and chirping like a little bird flying away into life’s everlasting night. (Overcome.) Ah! that is such a crushing blow for me, Gregers.
Hedvigbrings in a tray with beer and glasses, which she places on the table.
Hedvigbrings in a tray with beer and glasses, which she places on the table.
Hjalmar(stroking her head). Thanks, thanks, Hedvig. (Hedvigthrows her arms round his neck and whispers into his ear.) No. No bread and butter just now. (Looks straight in front of him.) Yes, perhaps Gregers will have a piece.
Gregers(with a gesture of refusal). No, no, thank you.
Hjalmar(still mournful). Well, you can bring in a little, all the same. If you’ve a crust that’d be nice. And mind you, butter it well.
Hedvignods brightly, and goes into the kitchen again.
Hedvignods brightly, and goes into the kitchen again.
Gregers(who has followed her with his eyes). She looks bright and well enough though, it seems to me.
Gina.Yes, thank God, there’s nothing else the matter with her.
Gregers.No doubt she will grow like you in time, Mrs. Ekdal. How old may she be now?
Gina.Hedvig is exactly fourteen; it’s her birthday the day after to-morrow.
Gregers.She’s pretty tall for her age.
Gina.Yes, she has shot up so in the last year.
Gregers.It is by these young folks that we best see how old we are ourselves. How long ago is it that you were married?
Gina.Why, we were married in—yes—nearly fifteen years ago.
Gregers.No, really! Is it so long!
Gina(becoming attentive, looking at him). Yes, it is exactly.
Hjalmar.Yes, of course it is. Fifteen years in a few months. (In a changed tone.) Those must have been long years for you up at the Works, Gregers.
Gregers.They seemed so while I lived them—now, I hardly know how the time went.
Old Ekdalenters from his room, without his pipe, but wearing his old lieutenant’s cap; he walks somewhat unsteadily.
Old Ekdalenters from his room, without his pipe, but wearing his old lieutenant’s cap; he walks somewhat unsteadily.
Ekdal.I say, Hjalmar, now we can sit down and chat about that—h’m. Whatever was it?
Hjalmar(going up to him). Father, here’s somebody. Gregers Werle—I don’t know if you can remember him.
Ekdal(looking atGregers,who has risen). Werle? Is that the son, eh?—What does he want with me?
Hjalmar.Nothing; he has come to see me.
Ekdal.Then nothing’s up?
Hjalmar.No, certainly not.
Ekdal(swinging his arms). Not thatIcare, you know, I’m not afraid, but——
Gregers(going up to him). I only wanted to bring you a greeting from the old hunting-grounds, Lieutenant Ekdal.
Ekdal.Hunting-grounds?
Gregers.Yes, up there round about the Hojdal Works.
Ekdal.Oh? up there? I knew them well once on a time.
Gregers.At that time you were a great sportsman.
Ekdal.Was so, yes. That may be. You’re looking at my uniform-cap. I don’t need to get leave to wear it at home. So long as I don’t go out into the streets in it——
Hedvigbrings in a plate of bread and butter, which she puts on the table.
Hedvigbrings in a plate of bread and butter, which she puts on the table.
Hjalmar.Come and sit down, father, and have a glass of beer. Come along, Gregers.
Ekdalmutters something, and stumbles to the sofa.Gregerssits down on the chair nearest him.Hjalmaron the other side ofGregers.Ginasits a little way from the table sewing.Hedvigstands by her father.
Ekdalmutters something, and stumbles to the sofa.Gregerssits down on the chair nearest him.Hjalmaron the other side ofGregers.Ginasits a little way from the table sewing.Hedvigstands by her father.
Gregers.Can you remember, Lieutenant Ekdal, when Hjalmar and I used to go up to visit you in the summer and at Christmas?
Ekdal.Did you? No, no, no—I don’t remember that. But I may say I’ve been a great sportsman, that I have. I’ve shot bears too. Shot nine of them.
Gregers(looking sympathizingly at him). And now you never get any hunting.
Ekdal.Oh! Can’t say that, my lad. Get some hunting now and again: notthatsort, of course. For the forest, you see—the forest, the forest!—— (Drinking.) Is the forest up there fine now?
Gregers.Not so fine as in your time. It’s been thinned out considerably.
Ekdal.Thinned out. (In a lower tone and anxiously.) That’s a dangerous game. It has consequences. The forest avenges itself.
Hjalmar(filling his glass). Come, father, have a little more.
Gregers.How can a man like you—such a man for an open-air life, live in the midst of a choking town, shut up between these four walls?
Ekdal(smiles slightly and glances atHjalmar). Oh! it’s not so bad here. Not so bad.
Gregers.But all that had become part of you? The fresh, blowing breezes, the free life in the woods and the plains, among the beasts and birds?
Ekdal(smiling). Hjalmar, shall we show it him?
Hjalmar(quickly and somewhat embarrassed). Oh, no, no, father; not this evening.
Gregers.What does he want to show me?
Hjalmar.Oh! it’s only something—you can see it another time.
Gregers(continuing to the old man). So I was thinking, Lieutenant Ekdal, that you should come alongwith me up to the Works, for I shall certainly be leaving again shortly. You could easily get some copying to do there too. And here there’s absolutely nothing to make you comfortable and cheer you.
Ekdal(staring at him in astonishment). I’ve absolutely nothing.
Gregers.Yes, you have Hjalmar; but he has his own family. And a man like you who has always felt drawn to all that is free and wild——
Ekdal(striking the table). Hjalmar, now heshallsee it!
Hjalmar.No, father, is it worth while now? Why, it’s dark——
Ekdal.Nonsense; the moon shining. (Rising.) Heshallsee it, I say. Let me pass. Come and help me, Hjalmar.
Hedvig.Oh, yes; do, father.
Hjalmar(rising). All right then.
Gregers(toGina). What is it?
Gina.Oh! You really mustn’t fancy it’s anything very wonderful.
EkdalandHjalmarhave gone up the stage. Each is pushing aside one-half of the sliding door;Hedvighelps the old man;Gregersremains standing by the sofa;Ginagoes on sewing, unmoved. Through the opening of the door is seen a large, irregular loft, with odd nooks and corners, and a few stove-pipes here and there. There are skylights, through which bright moonlight falls upon certain parts of the great room; others are in darkness.
EkdalandHjalmarhave gone up the stage. Each is pushing aside one-half of the sliding door;Hedvighelps the old man;Gregersremains standing by the sofa;Ginagoes on sewing, unmoved. Through the opening of the door is seen a large, irregular loft, with odd nooks and corners, and a few stove-pipes here and there. There are skylights, through which bright moonlight falls upon certain parts of the great room; others are in darkness.
Ekdal(toGregers). You must come quite close, please.
Gregers(going over to him). What, is it really?
Ekdal.You can see—h’m!
Hjalmar(rather embarrassed). This belongs to father, you understand.
Gregers(by the door, looking into the loft). Why, you keep fowls, Lieutenant Ekdal!
Ekdal.Should think we did keep fowls. They’re gone to roost now. But you should see the fowls by daylight, you should!
Hedvig.And then there’s a——
Ekdal.Sh!—Sh!—don’t say anything yet.
Gregers.And you’ve pigeons, too, I see.
Ekdal.Oh, yes! May be we’ve got pigeons, too! The pigeon-houses are up there under the eaves; for you know pigeons always like to roost high.
Hjalmar.But these are not all common pigeons.
Ekdal.Common! No, should think not! We’ve got tumblers, and we’ve a few pouters, too. But come here! Can you see those hutches out there by the wall?——
Gregers.Yes. But what do you use them for?
Ekdal.The rabbits go in there in the night, my lad.
Gregers.Why, you’ve rabbits, too, then?
Ekdal.Yes. Deuce take it, you might know we should have rabbits! He wants to know if we’ve got rabbits, Hjalmar!—H’m! But now the real thing’s coming, you know. Now then! Out of the way, Hedvig. Come and stand here; that’s it—and look down there. Don’t you see anything there in the basket filled with straw?
Gregers.Yes. I see there’s a bird lying in the basket.
Ekdal.H’m! “A bird”——
Gregers.Isn’t it a duck?
Ekdal(hurt). Yes, of course, it’s a duck.
Hjalmar.But whatsortof a duck, do you think——?
Hedvig.It’s not just a simple duck——
Ekdal.Hush!
Gregers.And it’s not a Turkish duck, either.
Ekdal.No, Mr.—Werle; it’s not a Turkish duck; for it’s a wild duck.
Gregers.No, is it really? A wild duck?
Ekdal.Yes, that it is. The “bird,” as you called it—is a wild duck. That’s our wild duck, my lad.
Hedvig.Mywild duck. For she belongs to me.
Gregers.And it can live up here in this loft? And thrive here?
Ekdal.Of course, you understand, she’s got a trough full of water to splash about in.
Hjalmar.Fresh water every day.
Gina(turning toHjalmar). But, dear Ekdal, it’s getting awfully cold here.
Ekdal.H’m! Let’s shut it up then. Besides it’s not good to disturb their night’s rest. Give a hand, Hedvig.