Etext of The Wild Duck 
by Henrik Ibsen
Boni and Liveright, Inc. 
New York
1918 

Contents
THE WILD DUCK
ACT I.
ACT II
ACT III
ACT IV
ACT V

THE WILD DUCK
PLAY IN FIVE ACTS

CHARACTERS
WERLE, a merchant, manufacturer, etc.
GREGERS WERLE, his son.
OLD EKDAL.
HIALMAR EKDAL, his son, a photographer.
GINA EKDAL, Hjalmar's wife.
HEDVIG, their daughter, a girl of fourteen.
MRS. SORBY, Werle's housekeeper.
RELLING, a doctor.
MOLVIK, student of theology.
GRABERG, Werle's bookkeeper.
PETTERSEN, Werle's servant.
JENSEN, a hired waiter.
A FLABBY GENTLEMAN.
A THIN-HAIRED GENTLEMAN.
A SHORT-SIGHTED GENTLEMAN.
SIX OTHER GENTLEMEN, guests at Werle's dinner-party.
SEVERAL HIRED WAITERS.

The first act passes in WERLE'S house, the remaining acts at
HJALMAR EKDAL'S. 

Pronunciation of Names: GREGERS WERLE = Grayghers Verle;
HIALMAR EKDAL = Yalmar Aykdal; GINA = Cheena;
GRABERG = Groberg; JENSEN = Yensen.

ACT I

At WERLE'S house. A richly and comfortably furnished study;
bookcases and upholstered furniture; a writing-table, with papers
and documents, in the centre of the room; lighted lamps with green
shades, giving a subdued light. At the back, open folding-doors
with curtains drawn back. Within is seen a large and handsome
room, brilliantly lighted with lamps and branching candle-sticks.
In front, on the right (in the study), a small baize door leads into
WERLE'S Office. On the left, in front, a fireplace with a glowing
coal fire, and farther back a double door leading into the
dining-room.
 
WERLE'S servant, PETTERSEN, in livery, and JENSEN, the hired
waiter, in black, are putting the study in order. In the large room,
two or three other hired waiters are moving about, arranging things
and lighting more candles. From the dining-room, the hum of
conversation and laughter of many voices are heard; a glass is
tapped with a knife; silence follows, and a toast is proposed;
shouts of "Bravo!" and then again a buzz of conversation. 

Pettersen (lights a lamp on the chimney-place and places a shade
over it). Hark to them, Jensen! now the old man's on his legs
holding a long palaver about Mrs. Sorby.]

Jensen
[(pushing forward an arm-chair).]

Is it true, what folks say, that they're -- very good friends, eh? 

Petterson.

Lord knows. 
Jensen.

I've heard tell as he's been a lively customer in his day. Page 4

Petterson.

May be. 
Jensen.

And he's giving this spread in honour of his son, they say. 
Pettersen.

Yes. His son came home yesterday. 
Jensen.

This is the first time I ever heard as Mr. Werle had a son. 
Pettersen.

Oh yes, he has a son, right enough. But he's a fixture, as you might
say, up at the Hoidal works. He's never once come to town all the
years I've been in service here. 
A Waiter
[(in the doorway of the other room).]

Pettersen, here's an old fellow wanting -- 
Pettersen
[ (mutters).]

The devil -- who's this now?[

OLD EKDAL appears from the right, in the inner room. He is
dressed in a threadbare overcoat with a high collar; he wears
woollen mittens, and carries in his hand a stick and a fur cap.
Under his arm, a brown paper parcel. Dirty red-brown wig and
small grey moustache. ]

Pettersen
[ (goes towards him).]

Good Lord -- what do you want here? 

Ekdal
[ (in the doorway).]

Must get into the office, Pettersen. 
Petterson.

The office was closed an hour ago, and -- 
Ekdal.

So they told me at the front door. But Graberg's in there still. Let
me slip in this way, Pettersen; there's a good fellow. (Points
towards the baize door.) It's not the first time I've come this way.
Pettersen.

Well, you may pass. (Opens the door.) But mind you go out again
the proper way, for we've got company. 
Ekdal.

I know, I know -- h'm! Thanks, Pettersen, good old friend! Thanks!
[(Mutters softly.)]
Ass![

[He goes into the Office; PETTERSEN shuts the door after him. ]

Jensen.

Is he one of the office people? 

Pettersen.

No he's only an outside hand that does odd Page 5

jobs of copying. But he's been a tip-topper in his day, has old
Ekdal. 
Jensen.

You can see he's been through a lot. 
Pettersen.

Yes; he was an army officer, you know. 
Jensen.

You don't say so? 
Pettersen.

No mistake about it. But then he went into the timber trade or
something of the sort. They say he once played Mr. Werle a very
nasty trick. They were partners in the Hoidal works at the time.
Oh, I know old Ekdal well, I do. Many a nip of bitters and bottle of
ale we two have drunk at Madam Eriksen's. 
Jensen.

He don't look as if held much to stand treat with. 
Pettersen.

Why, bless you, Jensen, it's me that stands treat. I always think
there's no harm in being a bit civil to folks that have seen better
days. 
Jensen.

Did he go bankrupt then? 
Pettersen.

Worse than that. He went to prison. 
Jensen.

To prison! 
Pettersen.

Or perhaps it was the Penitentiary. [ (Listens.)]
Sh! They're leaving the table.[

The dining-room door is thrown open from within, by a couple of
waiters. MRS. SORBY comes out conversing with two gentlemen.
Gradually the whole company follows, amongst them WERLE.
Last come HIALMAR EKDAL and GREGERS WERLE.]

Mrs. Sorby
[(in passing, to the servant).]

Tell them to serve the coffee in the music-room, Pettersen. 

Pettersen.

Very well, Madam.[

[She goes with the two Gentlemen into the inner room, and thence
out to the right. PETTERSEN and JENSEN go out the same way.]

A Flabby Gentleman
[(to a THIN-HAIRED GENTLEMAN).]

Whew! What a dinner! -- It was no joke to do it justice! 

The Thin-haired Gentleman.

Oh, with a little good-will one can get through a lot in three hours. 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Yes, but afterwards, afterwards, my dear Chamberlain! Page 6

A Third Gentleman.

I hear the coffee and maraschino are to be served in the
music-room. 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Bravo! Then perhaps Mrs. Sorby will play us something. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman
[ (in a low voice).]

I hope Mrs. Sorby mayn't play us a tune we don't like, one of these
days! 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Oh no, not she! Bertha will never turn against her old friends.[

[They laugh and pass into the inner room.]

Werle
[ (in a low voice, dejectedly).]

I don't think anybody noticed it, Gregers. 

Gregers
[ (looks at him).]

Noticed what? 
Werle.

Did you not notice it either? 
Gregers.

What do you mean? 
Werle.

We were thirteen at table. 
Gregers.

Indeed? Were there thirteen of us? 
Werle
[ (glances towards HIALMAR EKDAL).]

Our usual party is twleve. (To the others.) This way, gentlemen![

[WERLE and the others, all except HIALMAR and GREGERS, go
out by the back, to the right.]

Hialmar
[ (who has overheard the conversation).]

You ought not to have invited me, Gregers. 

Gregers.

What! Not ask my best and only friend to a party supposed to be in
my honour -- ? 
Hialmar.

But I don't think your father likes it. You see I am quite outside his
circle. 
Gregers.

So I hear. But I wanted to see you and have a talk with you, and I
certainly shan't be staying long. -- Ah, we two old schoolfellows
have drifted far apart from each other. It must be sixteen or
seventeen years since we met. 
Hialmar.

Is it so long? 
Gregers.

It is indeed. Well, how goes it with you? You look well. You have
put on flesh, and grown almost stout. Page 7

Hialmar.

Well, "stout" is scarcely the word; but I daresay I look a little more
of a man than I used to. 
Gregers.

Yes, you do; your outer man is in first-rate condition. 
Hialmar
[ (in a tone of gloom).]

Ah, but the inner man! That is a very different matter, I can tell
you! Of course you know of the terrible catastrophe that has
befallen me and mine since last we met. 
Gregers
[ (more softly).]

How are things going with your father now? 
Hialmar.

Don't let us talk of it, old fellow. Of course my poor unhappy
father lives with me. He hasn't another soul in the world to care for
him. But you can understand that this is a miserable subject for
me. -- Tell me, rather, how you have been getting on up at the
works. 
Gregers.

I have had a delightfully lonely time of it -- plenty of leisure to
think and think about things. Come over here; we may as well
make ourselves comfortable.[

[He seats himself in an arm-chair by the fire and draws HIALMAR
down into another alongside of it.]

Hialmar
[ (sentimentally).]

After all, Gregers, I thank you for inviting me to your father's
table; for I take it as a sign that you have got over your feeling
against me. 

Gregers
[ (surprised).]

How could you imagine I had any feeling against you? 
Hialmar.

You had at first, you know. 
Gregers.

How at first? 
Hialmar.

After the great misfortune. It was natural enough that you should.
Your father was within an ace of being drawn into that -- well, that
terrible business. 
Gregers.

Why should that give me any feeling against you? Who can have
put that into your head? 
Hialmar.

I know it did, Gregers; your father told me so himself. Page 8

Gregers
[ (starts).]

My father! Oh indeed. H'm. -- Was that why you never let me hear
from you? -- not a single word. 
Hialmar.

Yes. 
Gregers.

Not even when you made up your mind to become a photographer? 
Hialmar.

Your father said I had better not write to you at all, about anything. 
Gregers
[ (looking straight before him).]

Well well, perhaps he was right. -- But tell me now, Hialmar: are
you pretty well satisfied with your present position? 
Hialmar
[ (with a little sigh).]

Oh yes, I am; I have really no cause to complain. At first, as you
may guess, I felt it a little strange. It was such a totally new state of
things for me. But of course my whole circumstances were totally
changed. Father's utter, irretrievable ruin, -- the shame and
disgrace of it, Gregers 
Gregers
[ (affected).]

Yes, yes; I understand. 
Hialmar.

I couldn't think of remaining at college; there wasn't a shilling to
spare; on the contrary, there were debts -- mainly to your father I
believe -- 
Gregers.

H'm -- -
Hialmar.

In short, I thought it best to break, once for all, with my old
surroundings and associations. It was your father that specially
urged me to it; and since he interested himself so much in me 
Gregers.

My father did? 
Hialmar.

Yes, you surely knew that, didn't you? Where do you suppose I
found the money to learn photography, and to furnish a studio and
make a start? All that costs a pretty penny, I can tell you. 
Gregers.

And my father provided the money? 
Hialmar.

Yes, my dear fellow, didn't you know? I understood him to say he
had written to you about it. 
Gregers.

Not a word about his part in the business. He must have forgotten
it. Our correspondence has always Page 9

been purely a business one. So it was my father that -- ! 
Hialmar.

Yes, certainly. He didn't wish it to be generally known; but he it
was. And of course it was he, too, that put me in a position to
marry. Don't you -- don't you know about that either? 
Gregers.

No, I haven't heard a word of it. [(Shakes him by the arm).]
But, my dear Hialmar, I can't tell you what pleasure all this gives
me -- pleasure, and self-reproach. I have perhaps done my father
injustice after all -- in some things. This proves that he has a heart.
It shows a sort of compunction -- 
Hialmar.

Compunction -- ? 
Gregers.

Yes, yes -- whatever you like to call it. Oh, I can't tell you how
glad I am to hear this of father. -- So you are a married man,
Hialmar! That is further than I shall ever get. Well, I hope you are
happy in your married life? 
Hialmar.

Yes, thoroughly happy. She is as good and capable a wife as any
man could wish for. And she is by no means without culture. 
Gregers
[ (rather surprised).]

No, of course not. 
Hialmar.

You see, life is itself an education. Her daily intercourse with me
-- And then we know one or two rather remarkable men, who
come a good deal about us. I assure you, you would hardly know
Gina again. 
Gregers.

Gina? 
Hialmar.

Yes; had you forgotten that her name was Gina? 
Gregers.

Whose name? I haven't the slightest idea -- 
Hialmar.

Don't you remember that she used to be in service here? 
Gregers
[ (looks at him.)]

Is it Gina Hansen -- ? 
Hialmar.

Yes, of course it is Gina Hansen. 
Gregers.

-- -who kept house for us during the last year of my mother's
illness? 
Hialmar.

Yes, exactly. But, my dear friend, I'm quite sure your father told
you that I was married. Page 10

Gregers[ (who has risen).]

Oh yes, he mentioned it; but not that -- [(Walking about the
room.)]
Stay -- perhaps he did -- now that I think of it. My father always
writes such short letters. [(Half seats himself on the arm of the
chair.)]
Now, tell me, Hialmar -- this is interesting -- how did you come to
know Gina -- your wife? 
Hialmar.

The simplest thing in the world. You know Gina did not stay here
long, everything was so much upset at that time, owing to your
mother's illness and so forth, that Gina was not equal to it all; so
she gave notice and left. That was the year before your mother
died -- or it may have been the same year. 
Gregers.

It was the same year. I was up at the works then. But afterwards --
? 
Hialmar.

Well, Gina lived at home with her mother, Madam Hansen, an
excellent hard-working woman, who kept a little eating-house. She
had a room to let too; a very nice comfortable room. 
Gregers.

And I suppose you were lucky enough to secure it? 
Hialmar.

Yes; in fact, it was your father that recommended it to me. So it
was there, you see, that I really came to know Gina. 
Gregers.

And then you got engaged? 
Hialmar.

Yes. It doesn't take young people long to fall in love -- ; h'm -- 
Gregers
[ (rises and moves about a little).]

Tell me: was it after your engagement -- was it then that my father
-- I mean was it then that you began to take up photography? 
Hialmar.

Yes, precisely. I wanted to make a start, and to set up house as
soon as possible; and your father and I agreed that this
photography business was the readiest way. Gina thought so too.
Oh, and there was another thing in its favour, by-the-bye: it
happened, luckily, that Gina had learnt to retouch. Page 11

Gregers.

That chimed in marvellously. 
Hialmar
[ (pleased, rises).]

Yes, didn't it? Don't you think it was a marvellous piece of luck? 
Gregers.

Oh, unquestionably. My father seems to have been almost a kind
of providence for you. 
Hialmar
[ (with emotion).]

He did not forsake his old friend's son in the hour of his need. For
he has a heart. you see. 
Mrs. Sorby
[(enters, arm-in-arm with WERLE).]

Nonsense, my dear Mr. Werle; you mustn't stop there any longer
staring at all the lights. It's very bad for you. 
Werle
[ (lets go her arm and passes his hand over his eyes).]

I daresay you are right.[

[PETTERSEN and JENSEN carry round refreshment trays.]

Mrs. Sorby
[(to the Guests in the other room).]

This way, if you please, gentlemen. Whoever wants a glass of
punch must be so good as to come in here. 

The Flabby Gentleman
[ (comes up to MRS. SORBY).]

Surely, it isn't possible that you have suspended our cherished right
to smoke? 
Mrs. Sorby.

Yes. No smoking here, in Mr. Werle's sanctum, Chamberlain. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

When did you enact these stringent amendments on the cigar law,
Mrs. Sorby? 
Mrs. Sorby.

After the last dinner, Chamberlain, when certain persons permitted
themselves to overstep the mark. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

And may one never overstep the mark a little bit, Madame Bertha?
Not the least little bit? 
Mrs. Sorby.

Not in any respect whatsoever, Mr. Balle.[

[Most of the Guests have assembled in the study; servants hand
round glasses of Punch.]

Werle
[ (to HIALMAR, who is standing beside a table),]

What are you studying so intently, Ekdal? Page 12

Hialmar.

Only an album, Mr. Werle. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman
[ (who is wandering about).]

Ah, photographs! They are quite in your line of course. 
The Flabby Gentleman
[ (in an arm-chair).]

Haven't you brought any of your own with you? 
Hialmar.

No, I haven't. 
The Flabby Gentleman.

You ought to have; it's very good for the digestion to sit and look
at pictures. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

And it contributes to the entertainment, you know. 
The Short-sighted Gentleman.

And all contributions are thankfully received. 
Mrs. Sorby.

The Chamberlains think that when one is invited out to dinner, one
ought to exert oneself a little in return, Mr. Ekdal. 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Where one dines so well, that duty becomes a pleasure. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

And when it's a case of the struggle for existence, you know -- 
Mrs. Sorby.

I quite agree with you![

[They continue the conversation, with laughter and joking.]

Gregers
[ (softly).]

You must join in, Hialmar. 

Hialmar
[ (writhing).]

What am I to talk about? 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Don't you think, Mr. Werle, that Tokay may be considered one of
the more wholesome sorts of wine? 
Werle
[ (by the fire).]

I can answer for the Tokay you had to-day, at any rate; it's one of
the very finest seasons. Of course you would notice that. 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Yes, it had a remarkably delicate flavour. 
Hialmar
[ (shyly).]

Is there any difference between the seasons? 
The Flabby Gentleman
[ (laughs).]

Come! That's good! Page 13

Werle
[ (smiles).]

It really doesn't pay to set fine wine before you. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

Tokay is like photographs, Mr. Ekdal: they both need sunshine.
Am I not right? 
Hialmar.

Yes, light is important no doubt. 
Mrs. Sorby.

And it's exactly the same with Chamberlains -- they, too, depend
very much on sunshine,* as the saying is. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

Oh fie! That's a very threadbare sarcasm! 
The Short-sighted Gentleman.

Mrs. Sorby is coming out -- 
The Flabby Gentleman.

-- and at our expense, too. [(Holds up his finger reprovingly.)]
Oh, Madame Bertha, Madame Bertha! 
Mrs. Sorby.

Yes, and there's not the least doubt that the seasons differ greatly.
The old vintages are the finest. 
The Short-sighted Gentleman.

Do you reckon me among the old vintages? 
Mrs. Sorby.

Oh, far from it. 
The Thin-haired Gentleman.

There now! But me, dear Mrs. Sorby -- ? 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Yes, and me? What vintage should you say that we belong to? 
Mrs. Sorby.

Why, to the sweet vintages, gentlemen.[

[She sips a glass of punch. The gentlemen laugh and flirt with her.]

Werle.

Mrs. Sorby can always find a loop-hole -- when she wants to. Fill
your glasses, gentlemen! Pettersen, will you see to it -- ! Gregers,
suppose we have a glass together. [(Gregers does not move.)]
Won't you join us, Ekdal? I found no opportunity of drinking with
you at table.
   *

The "sunshine" of Court favour. Page 14

[

[GRABERG, the Bookkeeper, looks in at the baize door.]

Graberg.

Excuse me, sir, but I can't get out. 
Werle.

Have you been locked in again? 
Graberg.

Yes, and Flakstad has carried off the keys. 
Werle.

Well, you can pass out this way. 
Graberg.

But there's some one else -- 
Werle.

All right; come through, both of you. Don't be afraid.[

[GRABERG and OLD EKDAL come out of the office.]

Werle
[ (involuntarily).]

Ugh!
[

[The laughter and talk among the Guests cease. HIALMAR starts
at the sight of his father, puts down his glass, and turns towards the
fireplace.]

Ekdal
[ (does not look up, but makes little bows to both sides as he
passes, murmuring).]

Beg pardon, come the wrong way. Door locked -- door locked. Beg
pardon.
[

[He and GRABERG go out by the back, to the right.]

Werle
[ (between his teeth).]

That idiot Graberg. 

Gregers
[ (open-mouthed and staring, to HIALMAR).]

Why surely that wasn't -- ! 
The Flabby Gentleman.

What's the matter? Who was it? 
Gregers.

Oh, nobody, only the bookkeeper and some one with him. 
The Short-sighted Gentleman
[(to HIALMAR).]

Did you know that man? 
Hialmar.

I don't know -- I didn't notice -- 
The Flabby Gentleman.

What the deuce has come over every one?[

[He joins another group who are talking softly.]

Mrs. Sorby
[(whispers to the Servant).]

Give him something to take with him; -- something good, mind. 

Pettersen
[ (nods).]

I'll see to it.[ [Goes out.]

Gregers
[ (softly and with emotion, to HIALMAR).]

So that was really he! Page 15

Hialmar.

Yes. 
Gregers.

And you could stand there and deny that you knew him! 
Hialmar
[ (whispers vehemently).]

But how could I -- ! 
Gregers.

-- acknowledge your own father? 
Hialmar
[ (with pain).]

Oh, if you were in my place -- [

[The conversation amongst the Guests, which has been carried on
in a low tone, now swells into constrained joviality.]

The Thin-haired Gentleman
[ (approaching HIALMAR and GREGERS in a friendly manner).]

Aha! Reviving old college memories, eh? Don't you smoke, Mr.
Ekdal? May I give you a light? Oh, by-the-bye, we mustn't -- 

Hialmar.

No, thank you, I won't -- 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Haven't you a nice little poem you could recite to us, Mr. Ekdal?
You used to recite so charmingly. 
Hialmar.

I am sorry I can't remember anything. 
The Flabby Gentleman.

Oh, that's a pity. Well, what shall we do, Balle?[

[Both Gentlemen move away and pass into the other room.]

Hialmar
[ (gloomily).]

Gregers -- I am going! When a man has felt the crushing hand of
Fate, you see -- Say good-bye to your father for me. 

Gregers.

Yes, yes. Are you going straight home? 
Hialmar.

Yes. Why? 
Gregers.

Oh, because I may perhaps look in on you later. 
Hialmar.

No, you mustn't do that. You must not come to my home. Mine is a
melancholy abode, Gregers; especially after a splendid banquet
like this. We can always arrange to meet somewhere in the town. 
Mrs. Sorby
[(who has quietly approached).]

Are you going, Ekdal? 
Hialmar.

Yes. Page 16

Mrs. Sorby.

Remember me to Gina. 
Hialmar.

Thanks. 
Mrs. Sorby.

And say I am coming up to see her one of these days. 
Hialmar.

Yes, thank you. [ (To GREGERS.)]
Stay here; I will slip out unobserved.0.     [
0.   
[He saunters away, then into the other room, and so out to the
right.]

Mrs. Sorby
[(softly to the Servant, who has come back).]

0.   
Well, did you give the old man something? 

Pettersen.

Yes; I sent him off with a bottle of cognac. 
Mrs. Sorby.

Oh, you might have thought of something better than that. 
Pettersen.

Oh no, Mrs. Sorby; cognac is what he likes best in the world. 
The Flabby Gentleman
[ (in the doorway with a sheet of music in his hand).]

Shall we play a duet, Mrs. Sorby? 
Mrs. Sorby.

Yes, suppose we do. 
The Guests.

Bravo, bravo!  0.   [
     0.   
[She goes with all the Guests through the back room, out to the
right. GREGERS remains standing by the fire. WERLE is looking
for Something on the writing-table, and appears to wish that
GREGERS would go; as GREGERS does not move, WERLE goes
towards the door.]

Gregers.

     0.   
Father, won't you stay a moment? 

Werle
[ (stops).]

What is it? 
Gregers.

I must have a word with you. 
Werle.

Can it not wait till we are alone? 
Gregers.

No, it cannot; for perhaps we shall never be alone together. 
Werle
[ (drawing nearer).]

What do you mean by that?     0.   [
     0.   
[During what follows, the pianoforte is faintly heard from the
distant music-room.]

Gregers.

     0.   
How has that family been allowed to go so miserably to the wall?
Page 17

Werle.

You mean the Ekdals, I suppose. 
Gregers.

Yes, I mean the Ekdals. Lieutenant Ekdal was once so closely
associated with you. 
Werle.

Much too closely; I have felt that to my cost for many a year. It is
thanks to him that I -- yes I -- have had a kind of slur cast upon my
reputation. 
Gregers
[ (softly).]

Are you sure that he alone was to blame? 
Werle.

Who else do you suppose -- ? 
Gregers.

You and he acted together in that affair of the forests -- 
Werle.

But was it not Ekdal that drew the map of the tracts we had bought
-- that fraudulent map! It was he who felled all that timber illegally
on Government ground. In fact, the whole management was in his
hands. I was quite in the dark as to what Lieutenant Ekdal was
doing. 
Gregers.

Lieutenant Ekdal himself seems to have been very much in the
dark as to what he was doing. 
Werle.

That may be. But the fact remains that he was found guilty and I
acquitted. 
Gregers.

Yes, I know that nothing was proved against you. 
Werle.

Acquittal is acquittal. Why do you rake up these old miseries that
turned my hair grey before its time? Is that the sort of thing you
have been brooding over up there, all these years? I can assure you,
Gregers, here in the town the whole story has been forgotten long
ago -- so far as I am concerned. 
Gregers.

But that unhappy Ekdal family -- 
Werle.

What would you have had me do for the people? 

When Ekdal came out of prison he was a broken-down being, past
all help. There are people in the world who dive to the bottom the
moment they get a couple of slugs in their body, and never come to
the surface again. You may take my word for it, Gregers, I have
done all I could without Page 18

positively laying myself open to all sorts of suspicion and gossip -- 
Gregers.

Suspicion -- ? Oh, I see. 
Werle.

I have given Ekdal copying to do for the office, and I pay him far,
far more for it than his work is worth -- 
Gregers
[ (without looking at him).]

H'm; that I don't doubt. 
Werle.

You laugh? Do you think I am not telling you the truth? Well, I
certainly can't refer you to my books, for I never enter payments of
that sort. 
Gregers
[ (smiles coldly).]

No, there are certain payments it is best to keep no account of. 
Werle
[ (taken aback).]

What do you mean by that? 
Gregers
[ (mustering up courage).]

Have you entered what it cost you to have Hialmar Ekdal taught
photography? 
Werle.

I? How "entered" it? 
Gregers.

I have learnt that it was you who paid for his training. And I have
learnt, too, that it was you who enabled him to set up house so
comfortably. 
Werle.

Well, and yet you talk as though I had done nothing for the Ekdals!
I can assure you these people have cost me enough in all
conscience. 
Gregers.

Have you entered any of these expenses in your books? 
Werle.

Why do you ask? 
Gregers.

Oh, I have my reasons. Now tell me: when you interested yourself
so warmly in your old friend's son -- it was just before his
marriage, was it not? 
Werle.

Why, deuce take it -- after all these years, how can I -- ? 
Gregers.

You wrote me a Ietter about that time -- a business letter, of
course; and in a postscript you mentioned -- quite briefly -- that
Hialmar Ekdal had married a Miss Hansen. 
Werle.

Yes, that was quite right. That was her name. Page 19

Gregers.

But you did not mention that this Miss Hansen was Gina Hansen --
our former housekeeper. 
Werle
[ (with a forced laugh of derision).]

No; to tell the truth, it didn't occur to me that you were so
particularly interested in our former housekeeper. 
Gregers.

No more I was. But [(lowers his voice)]
there were others in this house who were particularly interested in
her. 
Werle.

What do you mean by that? [(Flaring up.)]
You are not alluding to me, I hope? 
Gregers
[ (softly but firmly).]

Yes, I am alluding to you. 
Werle.

And you dare -- ! You presume to -- ! How can that ungrateful
hound -- that photographer fellow -- how dare he go making such
insinuations! 
Gregers.

Hialmar has never breathed a word about this. I don't believe he
has the faintest suspicion of such a thing. 
Werle.

Then where have you got it from? Who can have put such notions
in your head? 
Gregers.

My poor unhappy mother told me; and that the very last time I saw
her. 
Werle.

Your mother! I might have known as much! You and she -- you
always held together. It was she who turned you against me, from
the first. 
Gregers.

No, it was all that she had to suffer and submit to, until she broke
down and came to such a pitiful end. 
Werle.

Oh, she had nothing to suffer or submit to; not more than most
people, at all events. But there's no getting on with morbid,
overstrained creatures -- that I have learnt to my cost. -- And you
could go on nursing such a suspicion -- burrowing into all sorts of
old rumours and slanders against your own father! I must say,
Gregers, I really think that at your age you might find something
more useful to do. 
Gregers.

Yes, it is high time. Werle.

Then perhaps your mind would be easier than it seems to be now.
What can be your object in remaining Page 20

up at the works, year out and year in, drudging away like a
common clerk, and not drawing a farthing more than the ordinary
monthly wage? It is downright folly. 
Gregers.

Ah, if I were only sure of that. 
Werle.

I understand you well enough. You want to be independent; you
won't be beholden to me for anything. Well, now there happens to
be an opportunity for you to become independent, your own master
in everything. 
Gregers.

Indeed? In what way -- ? 
Werle.

When I wrote you insisting on your coming to town at once -- h'm
-- 
Gregers.

Yes, what is it you really want of me? I have been waiting all day
to know. 
Werle.

I want to propose that you should enter the firm, as partner. 
Gregers.

I! Join your firm? As partner? 
Werle.

Yes. It would not involve our being constantly together. You could
take over the business here in town, and I should move up to the
works. 
Gregers.

You would? 
Werle.

The fact is, I am not so fit for work as I once was. I am obliged to
spare my eyes, Gregers; they have begun to trouble me. 

Gregers.

They have always been weak. 
Werle.

Not as they are now. And, besides, circumstances might possibly
make it desirable for me to live up there -- for a time, at any rate. 
Gregers.

That is certainly quite a new idea to me. 
Werle.

Listen, Gregers: there are many things that stand between us; but
we are father and son after all. We ought surely to be able to come
to some sort of understanding with each other. 
Gregers.

Outwardly, you mean, of course? 
Werle.

Well, even that would be something. Think it over, Gregers. Don't
you think it ought to be possible? Eh? Page 21

Gregers
[ (looking at him coldly).]

There is something behind all this. 
Werle.

How so? 
Gregers.

You want to make use of me in some way. 
Werle.

In such a close relationship as ours, the one can always be useful
to the other. 
Gregers.

Yes, so people say. Werle.

I want very much to have you at home with me for a time. I am a
lonely man, Gregers; I have always felt lonely, all my life through;
but most of all now that I am getting up in years. I feel the need of
some one about me -- 
Gregers.

You have Mrs. Sorby. 
Werle.

Yes, I have her; and she has become, I may say, almost
indispensable to me. She is lively and even-tempered; she
brightens up the house; and that is a very great thing for me. 
Gregers.

Well then, you have everything just as you wish it. 
Werle.

Yes, but I am afraid it can't last. A woman so situated may easily
find herself in a false position, in the eyes of the world. For that
matter it does a man no good, either. 
Gregers.

Oh, when a man gives such dinners as you give, he can risk a great
deal. 
Werle.

Yes, but how about the woman, Gregers? I fear she won't accept
the situation much longer; and even if she did -- even if, out of
attachment to me, she were to take her chance of gossip and
scandal and all that -- ? Do you think, Gregers -- you with your
strong sense of justice -- 
Gregers
[ (interrupts him).]

Tell me in one word: are you thinking of marrying her? 
Werle.

Suppose I were thinking of it? What then? 
Gregers.

That's what I say: what then? 
Werle.

Should you be inflexibly opposed to it! Page 22

Gregers.

-- Not at all. Not by any means. 
Werle.

I was not sure whether your devotion to your mother's memory -- 
Gregers.

I am not overstrained. 
Werle.

Well, whatever you may or may not be, at all events you have
lifted a great weight from my mind. I am extremely pleased that I
can reckon on your concurrence in this matter. 
Gregers
[ (looking intently at him).]

Now I see the use you want to put me to. 
Werle.

Use to put you to? What an expression! 
Gregers.

Oh, don't let us be nice in our choice of words -- not when we are
alone together, at any rate. [(With a short laugh.)]
Well well. So this is what made it absolutely essential that I should
come to town in person. For the sake of Mrs. Sorby, we are to get
up a pretence at family life in the house -- a tableau of filial
affection! That will be something new indeed. 
Werle.

How dare you speak in that tone! 
Gregers.

Was there ever any family life here? Never since I can remember.
But now, forsooth, your plans demand something of the sort. No
doubt it will have an excellent effect when it is reported that the
son has hastened home, on the wings of filial piety, to the
grey-haired father's wedding-feast. What will then remain of all the
rumours as to the wrongs the poor dead mother had to submit to?
Not a vestige. Her son annihilates them at one stroke. 
Werle.

Gregers -- I believe there is no one in the world you detest as you
do me. Gregers
[ (softly).]

I have seen you at too close quarters. 
Werle.

You have seen me with your mother's eyes. [(Lowers his voice a
little.)]
But you should remember that her eyes were -- clouded now and
then. 
Gregers
[ (quivering).]

I see what you are hinting at. But who was to blame for mother's
unfortunate weakness? Why you, and all those -- ! The last of them
was this woman Page 23

that you palmed off upon Hialmar Ekdal, when you were -- Ugh! 
Werle
[ (shrugs his shoulders).]

Word for word as if it were your mother speaking! 
Gregers
[ (without heeding).]

And there he is now, with his great, confiding, childlike mind,
compassed about with all this treachery -- living under the same
roof with such a creature, and never dreaming that what he calls
his home is built upon a lie! [(Comes a step nearer.)]
When I look back upon your past, I seem to see a battle-field with
shattered lives on every hand. 
Werle.

I begin to think the chasm that divides us is too wide. 
Gregers
[ (bowing, with self-command).]

So I have observed; and therefore I take my hat and go. 
Werle.

You are going! Out of the house? 
Gregers.

Yes. For at last I see my mission in life. 
Werle.

What mission? 
Gregers.

You would only laugh if I told you. 
Werle.

A lonely man doesn't laugh so easily, Gregers. 
Gregers
[ (pointing towards the background).]

Look, father, -- the Chamberlains are playing blind-man's-buff
with Mrs. Sorby. -- Good-night and good-bye.[

He goes out by the back to the right. Sounds of laughter and
merriment from the Company, who are now visible in the outer
room.]

Werle
[ (muttering contemptuously after GREGERS).]

Ha -- ! Poor wretch -- and he says he is not overstrained! 
Page 24

ACT SECOND
[

HIALMAR EKDAL'S studio, a good-sized room, evidently in the
top storey of the building. On the right, a sloping roof of large
panes of glass, half-covered by a blue curtain. In the right-hand
corner, at the back, the entrance door; farther forward, on the same
side, a door leading to the sitting-room. Two doors on the opposite
side, and between them an iron stove. At the back, a wide double
sliding-door. The studio is plainly but comfortably fitted up and
furnished. Between the doors on the right, standing out a little
from the wall, a sofa with a table and some chairs; on the table a
lighted lamp with a shade; beside the stove an old arm-chair.
Photographic instruments and apparatus of different kinds lying
about the room. Against the back wall, to the left of the double
door, stands a bookcase containing a few books, boxes, and bottles
of chemicals, instruments, tools, and other objects. Photographs
and small articles, such as camel's-hair pencils, paper, and so forth,
lie on the table.
 
GINA EKDAL sits on a chair by the table, sewing. HEDVIG is
sitting on the sofa, with her hands shading her eyes and her thumbs
in her ears, reading a book.]

Gina
[ (glances once or twice at HEDVIG, as if with secret anxiety; then
says):]

Hedvig![

Hedvig (does not hear).]

Gina
[ (repeats more loudly).]

Hedvig! 

Hedvig
[ (takes away her hands and looks up).]

Yes, mother? Page 25

Gina.

Hedvig dear, you mustn't sit reading any longer now. 
Hedvig.

Oh mother, mayn't I read a little more? Just a little bit? 
Gina.

No, no, you must put away your book now. Father doesn't like it;
he never reads hisself in the evening. 
Hedvig
[ (shuts the book).]

No, father doesn't care much about reading. 
Gina
[ (puts aside her sewing and takes up a lead pencil and a little
account-book from the table).]

Can you remember how much we paid for the butter to-day? 
Hedvig.

It was one crown sixty-five. 
Gina.

That's right. [ (Puts it down.)]
It's terrible what a lot of butter we get through in this house. Then
there was the smoked sausage, and the cheese -- let me see --
[(Writes)]
-- and the ham -- [(Adds up.)]
Yes, that makes just -- 
Hedvig.

And then the beer. 
Gina.

Yes, to be sure. [(Writes.)]
How it do mount up! But we can't manage with no less. 
Hedvig.

And then you and I didn't need anything hot for dinner, as father
was out. 
Gina.

No; that was so much to the good. And then I took eight crowns
fifty for the photographs. 
Hedvig.

Really! So much as that? 
Gina.

Exactly eight crowns fifty.[

[Silence. GINA takes up her sewing again, HEDVIG takes paper
and pencil and begins to draw, shading her eyes with her left
hand.]

Hedvig.

Isn't it jolly to think that father is at Mr. Werle's big dinner-party? 

Gina.

You know he's not really Mr. Werle's guest. It was the son invited
him. (After a pause.) We have nothing to do with that Mr. Werle. 
Hedvig.

I'm longing for father to come home. He promised to ask Mrs.
Sorby for something nice for me. Page 26

Gina.

Yes, there's plenty of good things going in that house, I can tell
you. 
Hedvig
[ (goes on drawing).]

And I believe I'm a little hungry too.  0.   [
     0.   
[OLD EKDAL, with the paper parcel under his arm and another
parcel in his coat pocket, comes in by the entrance door.]

Gina.

     0.   
How late you are to-day, grandfather! 

Ekdal.

They had locked the office door. Had to wait in Graberg's room.
And then they let me through -- h'm. 
Hedvig.

Did you get some more copying to do, grandfather? 
Ekdal.

This whole packet. Just look. 
Gina.

That's capital. 
Hedvig.

And you have another parcel in your pocket. 
Ekdal.

Eh? Oh never mind, that's nothing. [(Puts his stick away in a
corner.)]
This work will keep me going a long time, Gina. [(Opens one of
the sliding-doors in the back wall a little.)]
Hush! [ (Peeps into the room for a moment, then pushes the door
carefully to again.)]
Hee-hee! They're fast asleep, all the lot of them. And she's gone
into the basket herself. Hee-hee! 
Hedvig.

Are you sure she isn't cold in that basket, grandfather? 
Ekdal.

Not a bit of it! Cold? With all that straw? [(Goes towards the
farther door on the left.)]
There are matches in here, I suppose. 
Gina.

The matches is on the drawers.[

[EKDAL goes into his room.]

Hedvig.

It's nice that grandfather has got all that copying. 

Gina.

Yes, poor old father; it means a bit of pocket-money for him. 
Hedvig.

And he won't be able to sit the whole forenoon down at that horrid
Madam Eriksen's. 
Gina.

No more he won't.[ [Short silence.]
Page 27

Hedvig.

Do you suppose they are still at the dinner-table? 

Gina.

Goodness knows; as like as not. 
Hedvig.

Think of all the delicious things father is having to eat! I'm certain
he'll be in splendid spirits when he comes. Don't you think so,
mother? 
Gina.

Yes; and if only we could tell him that we'd got the room let -- 
Hedvig.

But we don't need that this evening. 
Gina.

Oh, we'd be none the worst of it, I can tell you. It's no use to us as
it is. 
Hedvig.

I mean we don't need it this evening, for father will be in a good
humour at any rate. It is best to keep the letting of the room for
another time. 
Gina
[ (looks across at her).]

You like having some good news to tell father when he comes
home in the evening? 
Hedvig.

Yes; for then things are pleasanter somehow. 
Gina
[ (thinking to herself).]

Yes, yes, there's something in that.[

[OLD EKDAL comes in again and is going out by the foremost
door to the left.]

Gina
[ (half turning in her chair).]

Do you want something out of the kitchen, grandfather? 

Ekdal.

Yes, yes, I do. Don't you trouble.[ (Goes out.]

Gina.

He's not poking away at the fire, is he? [ (Waits a moment.)]
Hedvig, go and see what he's about.
[

[EKDAL comes in again with a small jug of steaming hot water.]

Hedvig.

Have you been getting some hot water, grandfather? 

Ekdal.

Yes, hot water. Want it for something. Want to write, and the ink
has got as thick as porridge -- h'm. 
Gina.

But you'd best have your supper, first, grandfather. It's laid in there. 
Ekdal.

Can't be bothered with supper, Gina. Very Page 28

busy, I tell you. No one's to come to my room. No one -- h'm.[

[He goes into his room; GINA and HEDVIG look at each other.]

Gina
[ (softly).]

Can you imagine where he's got money from? 

Hedvig.

From Graberg, perhaps. 
Gina.

Not a bit of it. Graberg always sends the money to me. 
Hedvig.

Then he must have got a bottle on credit somewhere. 
Gina.

Poor grandfather, who'd give him credit?[

HIALMAR EKDAL, in an overcoat and grey felt hat, comes in
from the right.]

Gina
[ (throws down her sewing and rises).]

Why, Ekdal, Is that you already? 

Hedvig
[ (at the same time jumping up).]

Fancy your coming so soon, father! 
Hialmar[ (taking off his hat).]

Yes, most of the people were coming away. 
Hedvig.

So early? 
Hialmar.

Yes, it was a dinner-party, you know.[ [Is taking off his overcoat.]

Gina.

Let me help you. 

Hedvig.

Me too.[

[They draw off his coat; GINA hangs it up on the back wall.]

Hedvig.

Were there many people there, father? 

Hialmar.

Oh no, not many. We were about twelve or fourteen at table. 
Gina.

And you had some talk with them all? 
Hialmar.

Oh yes, a little; but Gregers took me up most of the time. 
Gina.

Is Gregers as ugly as ever? 
Hialmar.

Well, he's not very much to look at. Hasn't the old man come
home? Page 29
Hedvig Yes, grandfather is in his room, writing. 
Hialmar.

Did he say anything? 
Gina.

No, what should he say? 
Hialmar.

Didn't he say anything about -- ? I heard something about his
having been with Graberg. I'll go in and see him for a moment. 
Gina.

No, no, better not. 
Hialmar.

Why not? Did he say he didn't want me to go in? 
Gina.

I don't think he wants to see nobody this evening -- 
Hedvig
[ (making signs).]

H'm -- h'm! 
Gina
[ (not noticing).]

-- he has been in to fetch hot water -- 
Hialmar.

Aha! Then he's -- 
Gina.

Yes, I suppose so. 
Hialmar.

Oh God! my poor old white-haired father! -- Well, well; there let
him sit and get all the enjoyment he can.[

[OLD EKDAL, in an indoor coat and with a lighted pipe, comes
from his room.]

Ekdal.

Got home? Thought it was you I heard talking. 

Hialmar.

Yes, I have just come. 
Ekdal.

You didn't see me, did you? 
Hialmar.

No, but they told me you had passed through -- so I thought I
would follow you. 
Ekdal.

H'm, good of you, Hialmar. -- Who were they, all those fellows? 
Hialmar.

-- Oh, all sorts of people. There was Chamberlain Flor, and
Chamberlain Balle, and Chamberlain Kaspersen, and Chamberlain
-- this, that, and the other -- I don't know who all -- 
Ekdal
[ (nodding).]

Hear that, Gina! Chamberlains every one of them! 
Gina.

Yes, I hear as they're terrible genteel in that house nowadays. Page
30

Hedvig.

Did the Chamberlains sing, father? Or did they read aloud? 
Hialmar.

No, they only talked nonsense. They wanted me to recite
something for them; but I knew better than that. 
Ekdal.

You weren't to be persuaded, eh? 
Gina.

Oh, you might have done it. 
Hialmar.

No; one mustn't be at everybody's beck and call. (Walks about the
room.) That's not my way, at any rate. 
Ekdal.

No, no; Hialmar's not to be had for the asking, he isn't. 
Hialmar.

I don't see why I should bother myself to entertain people on the
rare occasions when I go into society. Let the others exert
themselves. These fellows go from one great dinner-table to the
next and gorge and guzzle day out and day in. It's for them to bestir
themselves and do something in return for all the good feeding
they get. 
Gina.

But you didn't say that? 
Hialmar
[ (humming).]

Ho-ho-ho -- ; faith, I gave them a bit of my mind. 
Ekdal.

Not the Chamberlains? 
Hialmar.

Oh, why not? (Lightly.) After that, we had a little discussion about
Tokay. 
Ekdal.

Tokay! There's a fine wine for you! 
Hialmar
[ (comes to a standstill).]

It may be a fine wine. But of course you know the vintages differ;
it all depends on how much sunshine the grapes have had. 
Gina.

Why, you know everything, Ekdal. 
Ekdal.

And did they dispute that? 
Hialmar.

They tried to; but they were requested to observe that it was just
the same with Chamberlains -- that with them, too, different
batches were of different qualities. Gina.

What things you do think of! 
Ekdal.

Hee-hee! So they got that in their pipes too? 
Hialmar.

Right in their teeth. Page 31

Ekdal.

Do you hear that, Gina? He said it right in the very teeth of all the
Chamberlains. 
Gina.

Fancy -- ! Right in their teeth! 
Hialmar.

Yes, but I don't want it talked about. One doesn't speak of such
things. The whole affair passed off quite amicably of course. They
were nice, genial fellows; I didn't want to wound them -- not I! 
Ekdal.

Right in their teeth, though -- ! 
Hedvig
[ (caressingly).]

How nice it is to see you in a dress-coat! It suits you so well,
father. 
Hialmar.

Yes, don't you think so? And this one really sits to perfection. It
fits almost as if it had been made for me; -- a little tight in the
arm-holes perhaps; -- help me, Hedvig [(takes off the coat).]
I think I'll put on my jacket. Where is my jacket, Gina? 
Gina.

Here it is. [ (Brings the jacket and helps him.)]

Hialmar.

That's it! Don't forget to send the coat back to Molvik first thing
to-morrow morning. 
Gina[ (laying it away).]

I'll be sure and see to it. 
Hialmar
[ (stretching himself).]

After all, there's a more homely feeling about this. A free-and-easy
indoor costume suits my whole personality better. Don't you think
so, Hedvig? 
Hedvig.

Yes, father. 
Hialmar.

When I loosen my necktie into a pair of flowing ends -- like this? 
Hedvig.

Yes, that goes so well with your moustache and the sweep of your
curls. 
Hialmar.

I should not call them curls exactly; I should rather say locks. 
Hedvig.

Yes, they are too big for curls. 
Hialmar.

Locks describes them better. 
Hedvig
[ (after a pause, twitching his jacket).]

Father! 
Hialmar.

Well, what is it? 
Hedvig.

Oh, you know very well. 
Hialmar.

No, really I don't -- Page 32

Hedvig
[ (half laughing, half whispering).]

Oh, yes, father; now don't tease me any longer! 
Hialmar.

Why, what do you mean? 
Hedvig
[ (shaking him).]

Oh what nonsense; come, where are they, father? All the good
things you promised me, you know? 
Hialmar.

Oh -- if I haven't forgotten all about them! 
Hedvig.

Now you're only teasing me, father! Oh, it's too bad of you! Where
have you put them? 
Hialmar.

No, I positively forgot to get anything. But wait a little! I have
something else for you, Hedvig.         0.   [ [Goes and
searches in the pockets of the coat.]

Hedvig
[ (skipping and clapping her hands).]

          0.   
Oh mother, mother! 

Gina.

There, you see; if you only give him time -- 
Hialmar
[ (with a paper).]

Look, here it is. 
Hedvig.

That? Why, that's only a paper. 
Hialmar.

That is the bill of fare, my dear; the whole bill of fare. Here you
see: "Menu" -- that means bill of fare. 
Hedvig.

Haven't you anything else? 
Hialmar.

I forgot the other things, I tell you. But you may take my word for
it, these dainties are very unsatisfying. Sit down at the table and
read the bill of fare, and then I'll describe to you how the dishes
taste. Here you are, Hedvig. 
Hedvig
[ (gulping down her tears).]

Thank you.0.   [
0.      (She seats herself, but does not read; GINA makes signs
to her; HIALMAR notices it.)]

Hialmar
[ (pacing up and down the room).]

0.   
It's monstrous what absurd things the father of a family is expected
to think of; and if he forgets the smallest trifle, he is treated to sour
faces at once. Well, well, one gets used to that too. [(Stops near the
stove, by the old man's chair.)]
Have you peeped in there this evening, father? 

Ekdal.

Yes, to be sure I have. She's gone into the basket. Page 33

Hialmar.

Ah, she has gone into the basket. Then she's beginning to get used
to it. 
Ekdal.

Yes; just as I prophesied. But you know there are still a few little
things -- 
Hialmar.

A few improvements, yes. 
Ekdal.

They've got to be made, you know. 
Hialmar.

Yes, let us have a talk about the improvements, father. Come, let
us sit on the sofa. Ekdal.

All right. H'm -- think I'll just fill my pipe first. Must clean it out,
too. H'm. 0.   [ [He goes into his room.]

Gina
[ (smiling to HIALMAR).]

     0.   
His pipe! 

Hialmar.

Oh yes yes, Gina; let him alone -- the poor shipwrecked old man. --
Yes, these improvements -- we had better get them out of hand
to-morrow. 
Gina.

You'll hardly have time to-morrow, Ekdal. 
Hedvig
[ (interposing).]

Oh yes he will, mother! 
Gina.

-- for remember them prints that has to be retouched; they've sent
for them time after time. 
Hialmar.

There now! those prints again! I shall get them finished all right!
Have any new orders come in? 
Gina.

No, worse luck; to-morrow I have nothing but those two sittings,
you know. 
Hialmar.

Nothing else? Oh no, if people won't set about things with a will -- 
Gina.

But what more can I do? Don't I advertise in the papers as much as
we can afford? 
Hialmar.

Yes, the papers, the papers; you see how much good they do. And I
suppose no one has been to look at the room either? 
Gina.

No, not yet. 
Hialmar.

That was only to be expected. If people won't keep their eyes open
-- . Nothing can be done without a real effort, Gina! 
Hedvig
[ (going towards him).]

Shall I fetch you the flute, father? 
Hialmar.

No; no flute for me; I want no pleasures in Page 34

this world. [ (Pacing about.)]
Yes, indeed I will work to-morrow; you shall see if I don't. You
may be sure I shall work as long as my strength holds out. 
Gina.

But my dear good Ekdal, I didn't mean it in that way. 
Hedvig.

Father, mayn't I bring in a bottle of beer? 
Hialmar.

No, certainly not. I require nothing, nothing -- [(Comes to a
standstill.)]
Beer? Was it beer you were talking about? 
Hedvig
[ (cheerfully).]

Yes, father; beautiful fresh beer. 
Hialmar.

Well -- since you insist upon it, you may bring in a bottle. 
Gina.

Yes, do; and we'll be nice and cosy.[ [HEDVIG runs towards the
kitchen door.]

Hialmar
[ (by the stove, stops her, looks at her, puts his arm round her neck
and presses her to him).]

Hedvig, Hedvig! 
Hedvig
[ (with tears of joy).]

My dear, kind father! 
Hialmar.

No, don't call me that. Here have I been feasting at the rich man's
table, -- battening at the groaning board -- ! And I couldn't even -- ! 
Gina
[ (sitting at the table).]

Oh, nonsense, nonsense, Ekdal. 
Hialmar.

It's not nonsense! And yet you mustn't be too hard upon me. You
know that I love you for all that. 
Hedvig
[ (throwing her arms round him).]

And we love you, oh, so dearly, father! 
Hialmar.

And if I am unreasonable once in a while, -- why then -- you must
remember that I am a man beset by a host of cares. There, there! [
(Dries his eyes.)]
No beer at such a moment as this. Give me the flute.   [
[HEDVIG runs to the bookcase and fetches it.]

Hialmar.

     
Thanks! That's right. With my flute in my hand and you two at my
side -- ah -- !
          [
          
[HEDVIG seats herself at the table near GINA; HIALMAR paces
backwards and forwards, pipes up vigorously, Page 35

and plays a Bohemian peasant-dance, but in a slow plaintive
tempo, and with sentimental expression.]

Hialmar
[ (breaking off the melody, holds out his left hand to GINA, and
says with emotion):]

          
Our roof may be poor and humble, Gina; but it is home. And with
all my heart I say: here dwells my happiness.
          [
          
[He begins to play again; almost immediately after, a knocking is
heard at the entrance door.]

Gina
[ (rising).]

          
Hush, Ekdal, -- I think there's some one at the door. 

Hialmar
[ (laying the flute on the bookcase).]

There! Again!                 [ [GINA goes and opens the
door.]

Gregers Werle
[ (in the passage).]

                    
Excuse me -- 

Gina
[ (starting back slightly).]

Oh! 
Gregers.

-- does not Mr. Ekdal, the photographer, live here? 
Gina.

Yes, he does. 
Hialmar
[ (going towards the door).]

Gregers! You here after all? Well, come in then. 
Gregers
[ (coming in).]

I told you I would come and look you up. 
Hialmar.

But this evening -- ? Have you left the party? 
Gregers.

I have left both the party and my father's house. -- Good evening,
Mrs. Ekdal. I don't know whether you recognise me? 
Gina.

Oh yes; it's not difficult to know young Mr. Werle again. 
Gregers.

No, I am like my mother; and no doubt you remember her. 
Hialmar.

Left your father's house, did you say? 
Gregers.

Yes, I have gone to a hotel. 
Hialmar.

Indeed. Well, since you're here, take off your coat and sit down. 
Gregers.

Thanks.Page 36

[

[He takes off his overcoat. He is now dressed in a plain grey suit of
a countrified cut.]

Hialmar.

Here, on the sofa. Make yourself comfortable.     1.   [
     2.   
[GREGERS seats himself on the sofa; HIALMAR takes a chair at
the table.]

Gregers
[ (looking around him).]

     3.   
So these are your quarters, Hialmar -- this is your home. 

Hialmar.

This is the studio, as you see -- 
Gina.

But it's the largest of our rooms, so we generally sit here. Hialmar.

We used to live in a better place; but this flat has one great
advantage: there are such capital outer rooms 
Gina.

And we have a room on the other side of the passage that we can
let. 
Gregers
[ (to HIALMAR).]

Ah -- so you have lodgers too? 
Hialmar.

No, not yet. They're not so easy to find, you see; you have to keep
your eyes open. [ (To HEDVIG.)]
What about that beer, eh?     1.   [ [HEDVIG nods and goes
out into the kitchen.]

Gregers.

     2.   
So that is your daughter? 

Hialmar.

Yes, that is Hedvig. 
Gregers.

And she is your only child? 
Hialmar.

Yes, the only one. She is the joy of our lives, and -- [(lowering his
voice)]
-- at the same time our deepest sorrow, Gregers. 
Gregers.

What do you mean? 
Hialmar.

She is in serious danger oflosing her eyesight. 
Gregers.

Becoming blind? 

Hialmar.

Yes. Only the first symptoms have appeared as yet, and she may
not feel it much for some time. But the doctor has warned us. It is
coming, inexorably. 
Gregers.

What a terrible misfortune! How do you account for it? 
Hialmar
[ (sighs).]

Hereditary, no doubt. 
Gregers
[ (starting).]

Hereditary? Page 37

Gina.

Ekdal's mother had weak eyes. 
Hialmar.

Yes, so my father says; I can't remember her. 
Gregers.

Poor child! And how does she take it? 
Hialmar.

Oh, you can imagine we haven't the heart to tell her of it. She
dreams of no danger. Gay and careless and chirping like a little
bird, she flutters onward into a life of endless night. [
(Overcome.)]
Oh, it is cruelly hard on me, Gregers.[

[HEDVIG brings a tray with beer and glasses, which she sets upon
the table.]

Hialmar
[ (stroking her hair).]

Thanks, thanks, Hedvig.
[

[HEDVIG puts her arm round his neck and whispers in his ear.]

HIALMAR.

No, no bread and butter just now. [ (Looks up).]
But perhaps you would like some, Gregers. 

Gregers
[ (with a gesture of refusal).]

No, no thank you. 
Hialmar
[ (still melancholy).]

Well, you can bring in a little all the same. If you have a crust, that
is all I want. And plenty of butter on it, mind.[

[HEDVIG nods gaily and goes out into the kitchen again.]

Gregers
[ (who has been following her with his eyes).]

She seems quite strong and healthy otherwise. 

Gina.

Yes. In other ways there's nothing amiss with her, thank goodness. 
Gregers.

She promises to be very like you, Mrs. Ekdal. How old is she now? 
Gina.

Hedvig is close on fourteen; her birthday is the day after
to-morrow. 
Gregers.

She is pretty tall for her age, then. 
Gina.

Yes, she's shot up wonderful this last year. 
Gregers.

It makes one realise one's own age to see these young people
growing up. -- How long is it now since you were married? 
Gina.

We've been married -- let me see -- just on fifteen years. Page 38

Gregers.

Is it so long as that? 
Gina
[ (becomes attentive; looks at him).]

Yes, it is indeed. 
Hialmar.

Yes, so it is. Fifteen years all but a few months. (Changing his
tone.) They must have been long years for you, up at the works,
Gregers. 
Gregers.

They seemed long -- while I was living them; now they are over, I
hardly know how the time has gone.[

[OLD EKDAL comes from his room without his pipe, but with his
old-fashioned uniform cap on his head; his gait is somewhat
unsteady.]

Ekdal.

Come now, Hialmar, let's sit down and have a good talk about this
-- h'm -- what was it again? 

Hialmar
[ (going towards him).]

Father, we have a visitor here -- Gregers Werle. -- I don't know if
you remember him. 
Ekdal
[ (looking at GREGERS, who has risen).]

Werle? Is that the son? What does he want with me? 
Hialmar.

Nothing; it's me he has come to see. 
Ekdal.

Oh! Then there's nothing wrong? 
Hialmar.

No, no, of course not. 
Ekdal
[ (with a large gesture).]

Not that I'm afraid, you know; but -- 
Gregers
[ (goes over to him).]

I bring you a greeting from your old hunting-grounds, Lieutenant
Ekdal. 
Ekdal.

Hunting-grounds? 
Gregers.

Yes, up in Hoidal, about the works, you know. 
Ekdal.

Oh, up there. Yes, I knew all those places well in the old days. 
Gregers.

You were a great sportsman then. 
Ekdal.

So I was, I don't deny it. You're looking at my uniform cap. I don't
ask anybody's leave to wear it in the house. So long as I don't go
out in the streets with it -- [

[HEDVIG brings a plate of bread and butter, which she puts upon
the table.]

Hialmar.

Sit down, father, and have a glass of beer. Help yourself, Gregers.
Page 39

[

[EKDAL mutters and stumbles over to the sofa. GREGERS seats
himself on the chair nearest to him, HIALMAR on the other side
of GREGERS. GINA sits a little way from the table, sewing;
HEDVIG stands beside her father.]

Gregers.

Can you remember, Lieutenant Ekdal, how Hialmar and I used to
come up and visit you in the summer and at Christmas? 
Ekdal.

Did you? No, no, no; I don't remember it. But sure enough I've
been a tidy bit of a sportsman in my day. I've shot bears too. I've
shot nine of 'em, no less. 
Gregers
[ (looking sympathetically at him).]

And now you never get any shooting? 
Ekdal.

Can't just say that, sir. Get a shot now and then perhaps. Of course
not in the old way. For the woods you see -- the woods, the woods
-- ! [(Drinks.)]
Are the woods fine up there now? 
Gregers.

Not so fine as in your time. They have been thinned a good deal. 
Ekdal.

Thinned? (More softly, and as if afraid.) It's dangerous work that.
Bad things come of it. The woods revenge themselves. 
Hialmar
[ (filling up his glass).]

Come -- a little more, father. 
Gregers.

How can a man like you -- such a man for the open air -- live in the
midst of a stuffy town, boxed within four walls? 
Ekdal
[ (laughs quietly and glances at HIALMAR).]

Oh, it's not so bad here. Not at all so bad. 
Gregers.

But don't you miss all the things that used to be a part of your very
being -- the cool sweeping breezes, the free life in the woods and
on the uplands, among beasts and birds -- ? 
Ekdal
[ (smiling).]

Hialmar, shall we let him see it? 
Hialmar
[ (hastily and a little embarrassed).]

Oh, no no, father; not this evening. Page 40

Gregers.

What does he want to show me? 
Hialmar.

Oh, it's only something -- you can see it another time. 
Gregers
[ (continues, to the old man).]

You see I have been thinking, Lieutenant Ekdal, that you should
come up with me to the works; I am sure to be going back soon.
No doubt you could get some copying there too. And here, you
have nothing on earth to interest you -- nothing to liven you up. 
Ekdal
[ (stares in astonishment at him).]

Have I nothing on earth to -- ! 
Gregers.

Of course you have Hialmar; but then he has his own family. And
a man like you, who has always had such a passion for what is free
and wild -- 
Ekdal
[ (thumps the table).]

Hialmar, he shall see it! 
Hialmar.

Oh, do you think it's worth while, father? It's all dark. 
Ekdal.

Nonsense; it's moonlight. [ (Rises).]
He shall see it, I tell you. Let me pass! Come and help me,
Hialmar. 
Hedvig.

Oh yes, do, father! 
Hialmar
[ (rising).]

Very well then. 
Gregers
[ (to GINA).]

What is it? 
Gina.

Oh, nothing so very wonderful, after all.[

[EKDAL and HIALMAR have gone to the back wall and are each
pushing back a side of the sliding door; HEDVIG helps the old
man; GREGERS remains standing by the sofa; GINA sits still and
sews. Through the open doorway a large, deep irregular garret is
seen with odd nooks and corners; a couple of stove-pipes running
through it, from rooms below. There are skylights through which
clear moonbeams shine in on some parts of the great room; others
lie in deep shadow.]

Ekdal
[ (to GREGERS).]

You may come close up if you like. Page 41

Gregers
[ (going over to them).]

Why, what is it? 
Ekdal.

Look for yourself. H'm. 
Hialmar
[ (somewhat embarrassed).]

This belongs to father, you understand. 
Gregers
[ (at the door, looks into the garret).]

Why, you keep poultry, Lieutenant Ekdal. 
Ekdal.

Should think we did keep poultry. They've gone to roost now. But
you should just see our fowls by daylight, sir! 
Hedvig.

And there's a -- 
Ekdal.

Sh -- sh! don't say anything about it yet. 
Gregers.

And you have pigeons too, I see. 
Ekdal.

Oh yes, haven't we just got pigeons! They have their nest-boxes up
there under the roof-tree; for pigeons like to roost high, you see. 
Hialmar.

They aren't all common pigeons. 
Ekdal.

Common! Should think not indeed! We have tumblers, and a pair
of pouters, too. But come here! Can you see that hutch down there
by the wall? 
Gregers.

Yes; what do you use it for? 
Ekdal.

That's where the rabbits sleep, sir. 
Gregers.

Dear me; so you have rabbits too? 
Ekdal.

Yes, you may take my word for it, we have rabbits! He wants to
know if we have rabbits, Hialmar! H'm! But now comes the thing,
let me tell you! Here we have it! Move away, Hedvig. Stand here;
that's right, -- and now look down there. -- Don't you see a basket
with straw in it? 
Gregers.

Yes. And I can see a fowl lying in the basket. 
Ekdal.

H'm -- "a fowl" 
Gregers.

Isn't it a duck? 
Ekdal
[ (hurt).]

Why, of course it's a duck. 
Hialmar.

But what kind of duck, do you think? 
Hedvig.

It's not just a common duck -- 
Ekdal.

Sh! Page 42

Gregers.

And it's not a Muscovy duck either. 
Ekdal.

No, Mr. -- Werle; it's not a Muscovy duck; for it's a wild duck! 
Gregers.

Is it really? A wild duck? 
Ekdal.

Yes, that's what it is. That "fowl" as you call it -- is the wild duck.
It's our wild duck, sir. 
Hedvig.

My wild duck. It belongs to me. 
Gregers.

And can it live up here in the garret? Does it thrive? 
Ekdal.

Of course it has a trough of water to splash about in, you know. 
Hialmar.

Fresh water every other day. 
Gina
[ (turning towards HIALMAR).]

But my dear Ekdal, it's getting icy cold here. 
Ekdal.

H'm, we had better shut up then. It's as well not to disturb their
night's rest, too. Close up, Hedvig.    [
     
[HIALMAR and HEDVIG push the garret doors together.]

Ekdal.

     
Another time you shall see her properly. [ (Seats himself in the
arm-chair by the stove.)]
Oh, they're curious things, these wild ducks, I can tell you. 

Gregers.

How did you manage to catch it, Lieutenant Ekdal? 
Ekdal.

I didn't catch it. There's a certain man in this town whom we have
to thank for it. 
Gregers
[ (starts slightly).]

That man was not my father, was he? 
Ekdal.

You've hit it. Your father and no one else. H'm. 
Hialmar.

Strange that you should guess that, Gregers. 
Gregers.

You were telling me that you owed so many things to my father;
and so I thought perhaps -- 
Gina.

But we didn't get the duck from Mr. Werle himself -- 
Ekdal.

It's Hakon Werle we have to thank for her, all Page 43

the same, Gina. [ (To GREGERS.)]
He was shooting from a boat, you see, and he brought her down.
But your father's sight is not very good now. H'm; she was only
wounded. 
Gregers.

Ah! She got a couple of slugs in her body, I suppose. 
Hialmar.

Yes, two or three. 
Hedvig.

She was hit under the wing, so that she couldn't fly. 
Gregers.

And I suppose she dived to the bottom, eh? 
Ekdal
[ (sleepily, in a thick voice).]

Of course. Always do that, wild ducks do. They shoot to the
bottom as deep as they can get, sir -- and bite themselves fast in
the tangle and seaweed -- and all the devil's own mess that grows
down there. And they never come up again. 
Gregers.

But your wild duck came up again, Lieutenant Ekdal. 
Ekdal.

He had such an amazingly clever dog, your father had. And that
dog -- he dived in after the duck and fetched her up again. 
Gregers
[ (who has turned to HIALMAR).]

And then she was sent to you here? 
Hialmar.

Not at once; at first your father took her home. But she wouldn't
thrive there; so Pettersen was told to put an end to her -- 
Ekdal
[ (half asleep).]

H'm -- yes -- Pettersen -- that ass -- 
Hialmar
[ (speaking more softly).]

That was how we got her, you see; for father knows Pettersen a
little; and when he heard about the wild duck he got him to hand
her over to us. 
Gregers.

And now she thrives as well as possible in the garret there? 
Hialmar.

Yes, wonderfully well. She has got fat. You see, she has lived in
there so long now that she has forgotten her natural wild life; and
it all depends on that. 
Gregers.

You are right there, Hialmar. Be sure you Page 44

never let her get a glimpse of the sky and the sea -- . But I mustn't
stay any longer; I think your father is asleep. 
Hialmar.

Oh, as for that -- 
Gregers.

But, by-the-bye -- you said you had a room to let -- a spare room? 
Hialmar.

Yes; what then? Do you know of anybody -- ? 
Gregers.

Can I have that room? 
Hialmar.

You? 
Gina.

Oh no, Mr. Werle, you -- 
Gregers.

May I have the room? If so, I'll take possession first thing
to-morrow morning. 
Hialmar.

Yes, with the greatest pleasure -- 
Gina.

But, Mr. Werle, I'm sure it's not at all the sort of room for you. 
Hialmar.

Why, Gina! how can you say that? Gina.

Why, because the room's neither large enough nor light enough,
and -- 
Gregers.

That really doesn't matter, Mrs. Ekdal. 
Hialmar.

I call it quite a nice room, and not at all badly furnished either. 
Gina.

But remember the pair of them underneath. 
Gregers.

What pair? 
Gina.

Well, there's one as has been a tutor -- 
Hialmar.

That's Molvik -- Mr. Molvik, B.A. 
Gina.

And then there's a doctor, by the name of Relling. 
Gregers.

Relling? I know him a little; he practised for a time up in Hoidal. 
Gina.

They're a regular rackety pair, they are. As often as not, they're out
on the loose in the evenings; and then they come home at all hours,
and they're not always just -- 
Gregers.

One soon gets used to that sort of thing. I daresay I shall be like the
wild duck -- 
Gina.

H'm; I think you ought to sleep upon it first, anyway. Page 45

Gregers.

You seem very unwilling to have me in the house, Mrs. Ekdal. 
Gina.

Oh, no! What makes you think that? 
Hialmar.

Well, you really behave strangely about it, 
Gina.

[(To GREGERS.)]
Then I suppose you intend to remain in the town for the present? 
Gregers
[ (putting on his overcoat).]

Yes, now I intend to remain here. 
Hialmar.

And yet not at your father's? What do you propose to do, then? 
Gregers.

Ah, if I only knew that, Hialmar, I shouldn't be so badly off! But
when one has the misfortune to be called Gregers -- ! "Gregers" --
and then "Werle" after it; did you ever hear anything so hideous? 
Hialmar.

Oh, I don't think so at all. 
Gregers.

Ugh! Bah! I feel I should like to spit upon the fellow that answers
to such a name. But when a man is once for all doomed to be
Gregers -- Werle in this world, as I am -- 
Hialmar
[ (laughs).]

Ha, ha! If you weren't Gregers Werle, what would you like to be? 
Gregers.

If I should choose, I should like best to be a clever dog. 
Gina.

A dog! 
Hedvig
[ (involuntarily).]

Oh, no! 
Gregers.

Yes, an amazingly clever dog; one that goes to the bottom after
wild ducks when they dive and bite themselves fast in tangle and
sea-weed, down among the ooze. 
Hialmar.

Upon my word now, Gregers -- I don't in the least know what
you're driving at. 
Gregers.

Oh, well, you might not be much the wiser if you did. It's
understood, then, that I move in early to-morrow morning. [ (To
GINA.)]
I won't give you any trouble; I do everything for myself. [ (To
HIALMAR.)]
We can talk about the rest to-morrow. -- Good-night, Mrs. Ekdal.
[(Nods to HEDVIG.)]
Good-night. Page 46

Gina.

Good-night, Mr. Werle. 
Hedvig.

Good-night. 
Hialmar
[ (who has lighted a candle).]

Wait a moment, I must show you a light; the stairs are sure to be
dark.[

[GREGERS and HIALMAR go out by the passage door.]

Gina
[ (looking straight before her, with her sewing in her lap).]

Wasn't that queer-like talk about wanting to be a dog? 

Hedvig.

Do you know, mother -- I believe he meant something quite
different by that. 
Gina.

Why, what should he mean? 
Hedvig.

Oh, I don't know; but it seemed to me he meant something
different from what he said -- all the time. 
Gina.

Do you think so? Yes, it was sort of queer. 
Hialmar
[ (comes back).]

The lamp was still burning. [(Puts out the candle and sets it
down).]
Ah, now one can get a mouthful of food at last. [ (Begins to eat the
bread and butter.)]
Well, you see, Gina -- if only you keep your eyes open -- 
Gina.

How, keep your eyes open -- ? 
Hialmar.

Why, haven't we at last had the luck to get the room let? And just
think -- to a person like Gregers -- a good old friend. 
Gina.

Well, I don't know what to say about it. 
Hedvig.

Oh, mother, you'll see; it'll be such fun! 
Hialmar.

You're very strange. You were so bent upon getting the room let
before; and now you don't like it. 
Gina.

Yes I do, Ekdal; if it had only been to some one else -- But what do
you suppose Mr. Werle will say? 
Hialmar.

Old Werle? It doesn't concern him. 
Gina.

But surely you can see that there's something amiss between them
again, or the young man wouldn't be leaving home. You know very
well those two can't get on with each other. 
Hialmar.

Very likely not, but -- Page 47

Gina.

And now Mr. Werle may fancy it's you that has egged him on -- 
Hialmar.

Let him fancy so, then! Mr. Werle has done a great deal for me; far
be it from me to deny it. But that doesn't make me everlastingly
dependent upon him. 
Gina.

But, my dear Ekdal, maybe grandfather'll suffer for it. He may lose
the little bit of work he gets from Graberg. 
Hialmar.

I could almost say: so much the better! Is it not humiliating for a
man like me to see his grey-haired father treated as a pariah? But
now I believe the fulness of time is at hand. [ (Takes a fresh piece
of bread and butter.)]
As sure as I have a mission in life, I mean to fulfil it now! 
Hedvig.

Oh, yes, father, do! 
Gina.

Hush! Don't wake him! 
Hialmar
[ (more softly).]

I will fulfil it, I say. The day shall come when -- And that is why I
say it's a good thing we have let the room; for that makes me more
independent, The man who has a mission in life must be
independent. [(By the arm-chair, with emotion.)]
Poor old white-haired father! Rely on your Hialmar. He has broad
shoulders -- strong shoulders, at any rate. You shall yet wake up
some fine day and -- [ (To GINA.)]
Do you not believe it? 
Gina
[ (rising).]

Yes, of course I do; but in the meantime suppose we see about
getting him to bed. 
Hialmar.

Yes, come.[ [They take hold of the old man carefully.]
Page 48

ACT THIRD
[

HIALMAR EKDAL'S studio. It is morning: the daylight shines
through the large window in the slanting roof; the curtain is drawn
back. 

HIALMAR is sitting at the table, busy retouching a photograph;
several others lie before him. Presently GINA, wearing her hat and
cloak, enters by the passage door; she has a covered basket on her
arm.]

Hialmar.

Back already, Gina? 

Gina.

Oh, yes, one can't let the grass grow under one's feet.[

[Sets her basket on a chair, and takes off her things.]

Hialmar.

Did you look in at Gregers' room? 

Gina.

Yes, that I did. It's a rare sight, I can tell you; he's made a pretty
mess to start off with. 
Hialmar.

How so? 
Gina.

He was determined to do everything for himself, he said; so he sets
to work to light the stove, and what must he do but screw down the
damper till the whole room is full of smoke. Ugh! There was a
smell fit to -- 
Hialmar.

Well, really! 
Gina.

But that's not the worst of it; for then he thinks he'll put out the
fire, and goes and empties his water-jug into the stove, and so
makes the whole floor one filthy puddle. 
Hialmar.

How annoying! 
Gina.

I've got the porter's wife to clear up after him, pig Page 49

that he is! But the room won't be fit to live in till the afternoon. 
Hialmar.

What's he doing with himself in the meantime? 
Gina.

He said he was going out for a little while. 
Hialmar.

I looked in upon him, too, for a moment -- after you had gone. 
Gina.

So I heard. You've asked him to lunch. 
Hialmar.

Just to a little bit of early lunch, you know. It's his first day -- we
can hardly do less. You've got something in the house, I suppose? 
Gina.

I shall have to find something or other. 
Hialmar.

And don't cut it too fine, for I fancy Relling and Molvik are
coming up, too. I just happened to meet Relling on the stairs, you
see; so I had to -- 
Gina.

Oh, are we to have those two as well? 
Hialmar.

Good Lord -- a couple more or less can't make any difference. Old
Ekdal (opens his door and looks in). I say, Hialmar -- [ (Sees
GINA.)]
Oh! 
Gina.

Do you want anything, grandfather? 
Ekdal.

Oh, no, it doesn't matter. H'm![ [Retires again.]

Gina
[ (takes up the basket).]

Be sure you see that he doesn't go out. 

Hialmar.

All right, all right. And, Gina, a little herring-salad wouldn't be a
bad idea; Relling and Molvik were out on the loose again last
night. 
Gina.

If only they don't come before I'm ready for them -- 
Hialmar.

No, of course they won't; take your own time. 
Gina.

Very well; and meanwhile you can be working a bit. 
Hialmar.

Well, I am working! I am working as hard as I can! 
Gina.

Then you'll have that job off your hands, you see.Page 50

[

[She goes out to the kitchen with her basket. HIALMAR sits for a
time pencilling away at the photograph, in an indolent and listless
manner.]

Ekdal
[ (peeps in, looks round the studio, and says softly): Are]

you busy? 
Hialmar.

Yes, I'm toiling at these wretched pictures -- Ekdal.

Well, well, never mind, -- since you're so busy -- h'm![ [He goes
out again; the door stands open.]

Hialmar
[ (continues for some time in silence then he lays down his brush
and goes over to the door).]

Are you busy, father? 

Ekdal
[ (in a grumbling tone, within).]

If you're busy, I'm busy, too. H'm! 
Hialmar.

Oh, very well, then.[ [Goes to his work again.]

Ekdal
[ (presently, coming to the door again).]

H'm; I say, Hialmar, I'm not so very busy, you know. 

Hialmar.

I thought you were writing. 
Ekdal.

Oh, devil take it! can't Graberg wait a day or two? After all, it's not
a matter of life and death. 
Hialmar.

No; and you're not his slave either. 
Ekdal.

And about that other business in there -- 
Hialmar.

Just what I was thinking of. Do you want to go in? Shall I open the
door for you? 
Ekdal.

Well, it wouldn't be a bad notion. 
Hialmar[ (rises).]

Then we'd have that off our hands. 
Ekdal.

Yes, exactly. It's got to be ready first thing to-morrow. It is
to-morrow, isn't it? H'm? 
Hialmar.

Yes, of course it's to-morrow.                    [
                    
[HIALMAR and EKDAL push aside each his half of the sliding
door. The morning sun is shining in through the skylights; some
doves are flying about; others sit cooing, upon the perches; the
hens are heard clucking now and then, further back in the garret.]
Page 51

Hialmar.

                    
There; now you can get to work, father. 

Ekdal
[ (goes in).]

Aren't you coming, too? 
Hialmar.

Well, really, do you know -- ; I almost think -- [ (Sees GINA at the
kitchen door.)]
I? No; I haven't time; I must work. -- But now for our new
contrivance -- 
     [

     
[He pulls a cord, a curtain slips down inside, the lower part
consisting of a piece of old sailcloth, the upper part of a stretched
fishing net. The floor of the garret is thus no longer visible.]

Hialmar
[ (goes to the table).]

     
So! Now, perhaps I can sit in peace for a little while. 
Gina.

Is he rampaging in there again? 
Hialmar.

Would you rather have had him slip down to Madam Eriksen's? [
(Seats himself.)]
Do you want anything? You know you said -- 
Gina.

I only wanted to ask if you think we can lay the table for lunch
here? 
Hialmar.

Yes; we have no early appointment, I suppose? 
Gina.

No, I expect no one to-day except those two sweethearts that are to
be taken together. 
Hialmar.

Why the deuce couldn't they be taken together another day! 
Gina.

Don't you know, I told them to come in the afternoon, when you
are having your nap. 
Hialmar.

Oh, that's capital. Very well, let us have lunch here then. 
Gina.

All right; but there's no hurry about laying the cloth; you can have
the table for a good while yet. 
Hialmar.

Do you think I am not sticking at my work? I'm at it as hard as I
can! 
Gina.

Then you'll be free later on, you know. 4.   [ [Goes out
into the kitchen again. Short pause.]

Ekdal
[ (in the garret doorway, behind the net).]

     5.   
Hialmar! Page 52

Hialmar.

Well? 
Ekdal.

Afraid we shall have to move the water-trough, after all. 
Hialmar.

What else have I been saying all along? 
Ekdal.

H'm -- h'm -- h'm.  1.   [
     2.   
[Goes away from the door again. HIALMAR goes on working a
little; glances towards the garret and half rises. HEDVIG comes in
from the kitchen.]

Hialmar
[ (sits down again hurriedly).]

     3.   
What do you want? 

Hedvig.

I only wanted to come in beside you, father. Hialmar(after a
pause). What makes you go prying around like that? Perhaps you
are told off to watch me? 
Hedvig.

No, no. 
Hialmar.

What is your mother doing out there? 
Hedvig.

Oh, mother's in the middle of making the herring-salad. (Goes to
the table). Isn't there any little thing I could help you with, father? 
Hialmar.

Oh, no. It is right that I should bear the whole burden -- so long as
my strength holds out. Set your mind at rest, Hedvig; if only your
father keeps his health -- 
Hedvig.

Oh, no, father! You mustn't talk in that horrid way.   1.   [
[She wanders about a little, stops by the doorway and looks into
the garret.]

Hialmar.

Tell me, what is he doing? 

Hedvig.

I think he's making a new path to the water-trough. 

Hialmar.

He can never manage that by himself! And here am I doomed to sit
-- ! 
Hedvig
[ (goes to him).]

Let me take the brush, father; I can do it, quite well. 
Hialmar.

Oh, nonsense; you will only hurt your eyes. 
Hedvig.

Not a bit. Give me the brush. Page 53

Hialmar
[ (rising).]

Well, it won't take more than a minute or two. 
Hedvig.

Pooh, what harm can it do then? [ (Takes the brush.)]
There! [ (Seats herself.)]
I can begin upon this one. 
Hialmar.

But mind you don't hurt your eyes! Do you hear? I won't be
answerable; you do it on your own responsibility -- understand
that. 
Hedvig
[ (retouching).]

Yes, yes, I understand. 
Hialmar.

You are quite clever at it, Hedvig. Only a minute or two, you
know.[

[He slips through by the edge of the curtain into the garret.
HEDVIG sits at her work. HIALMAR and EKDAL are heard
disputing inside.]

Hialmar
[ (appears behind the net).]

I say, Hedvig -- give me those pincers that are lying on the shelf.
And the chisel. [(Turns away inside.)]
Now you shall see, father. Just let me show you first what I mean!
[

[HEDVIG has fetched the required tools from the shelf, and hands
them to him through the net.]

Hialmar.

Ah, thanks. I didn't come a moment too soon.
[

[Goes back from the curtain again; they are heard carpentering and
talking inside. HEDVIG stands looking in at them. A moment later
there is a knock at the passage door; she does not notice it.]

Gregers Werle
[ (bareheaded, in indoor dress, enters and stops near the door).]

H'm -- ! 

Hedvig
[ (turns and goes towards him).]

Good morning. Please come in. 
Gregers.

Thank you. [ (Looking towards the garret.)]
You seem to have workpeople in the house. 
Hedvig.

No, it is only father and grandfather. I'll tell them you are here. 
Gregers.

No, no, don't do that; I would rather wait a little.[ [Seats himself on
the sofa.]
Page 54

Hedvig.

It looks so untidy here -- 
[ [Begins to clear away the photographs.]

Gregers.

Oh, don't take them away. Are those prints that have to be finished
off? 

Hedvig.

Yes, they are a few I was helping father with. 
Gregers.

Please don't let me disturb you. 
Hedvig.

Oh, no.[

[She gathers the things to her and sits down to work; GREGERS
looks at her, meanwhile, in silence.]

Gregers.

Did the wild duck sleep well last night? 

Hedvig.

Yes, I think so, thanks. 
Gregers
[ (turning towards the garret).]

It looks quite different by day from what it did last night in the
moonlight. 
Hedvig.

Yes, it changes ever so much. It looks different in the morning and
in the afternoon; and it's different on rainy days from what it is in
fine weather. 
Gregers.

Have you noticed that? 
Hedvig.

Yes, how could I help it? 
Gregers.

Are you, too, fond of being in there with the wild duck? 
Hedvig.

Yes, when I can manage it -- 
Gregers.

But I suppose you haven't much spare time; you go to school, no
doubt. 
Hedvig.

No, not now; father is afraid of my hurting my eyes. 
Gregers.

Oh; then he reads with you himself? 
Hedvig.

Father has promised to read with me; but he has never had time
yet. 
Gregers.

Then is there nobody else to give you a little help? 
Hedvig.

Yes, there is Mr. Molvik; but he is not always exactly -- quite -- 
Gregers.

Sober? 
Hedvig.

Yes, I suppose that's it! 
Gregers.

Why, then you must have any amount of time Page 55
on your hands. And in there I suppose it is a sort world by itself? 
Hedvig.

Oh, yes, quite. And there are such lots of wonderful things. 
Gregers.

Indeed? 
Hedvig.

Yes, there are big cupboards full of books; and a great many of the
books have pictures in them. 
Gregers.

Aha! 
Hedvig.

And there's an old bureau with drawers and flaps, and a big clock
with figures that go out and in. But the clock isn't going now. 
Gregers.

So time has come to a standstill in there -- in the wild duck's
domain. 
Hedvig.

Yes. And then there's an old paint-box and things of that sort; and
all the books. 
Gregers.

And you read the books, I suppose? 
Hedvig.

Oh, yes, when I get the chance. Most of them are English though,
and I don't understand English. But then I look at the pictures. --
There is one great big book called "Harrison's History of
London."* It must be a hundred years old; and there are such heaps
of pictures in it. At the beginning there is Death with an hour-glass
and a woman. I think that is horrid. But then there are all the other
pictures of churches, and castles, and streets, and great ships
sailing on the sea. 
Gregers.

But tell me, where did all those wonderful things come from? 
Hedvig.

Oh, an old sea captain once lived here, and he brought them home
with him. They used to call him "The Flying Dutchman." That was
curious, because he wasn't a Dutchman at all. 
Gregers.

Was he not?
   *
A New and Universal History of the Cities of London and
Westminster, by Walter Harrison. London, 1775, folio. Page 56

Hedvig.

No. But at last he was drowned at sea; and so he left all those
things behind him. 
Gregers.

Tell me now -- when you are sitting in there looking at the
pictures, don't you wish you could travel and see the real world for
yourself? 
Hedvig.

Oh, no! I mean always to stay at home and help father and mother. 
Gregers.

To retouch photographs? 
Hedvig.

No, not only that. I should love above everything to learn to
engrave pictures like those in the English books. 
Gregers.

H'm. What does your father say to that? 
Hedvig.

I don't think father likes it; father is strange about such things.
Only think, he talks of my learning basket-making, and
straw-plaiting! But I don't think that would be much good. 
Gregers.

Oh, no, I don't think so either. 
Hedvig.

But father was right in saying that if I had learnt basket-making I
could have made the new basket for the wild duck. 
Gregers.

So you could; and it was you that ought to have done it, wasn't it? 
Hedvig.

Yes, for it's my wild duck. 
Gregers.

Of course it is. 
Hedvig.

Yes, it belongs to me. But I lend it to father and grandfather as
often as they please. 
Gregers.

Indeed? What do they do with it? 
Hedvig.

Oh, they look after it, and build places for it, and so on. 
Gregers.

I see; for no doubt the wild duck is by far the most distinguished
inhabitant of the garret? 
Hedvig.

Yes, indeed she is; for she is a real wild fowl, you know. And then
she is so much to be pitied; she has no one to care for, poor thing. 
Gregers.

She has no family, as the rabbits have -- 
Hedvig.

No. The hens too, many of them, were chickens Page 57

together; but she has been taken right away from all her friends.
And then there is so much that is strange about the wild duck.
Nobody knows her, and nobody knows where she came from
either. 
Gregers.

And she has been down in the depths of the sea. 
Hedvig
[ (with a quick glance at him, represses a smile and asks):]

Why do you say "depths of the sea"? 
Gregers.

What else should I say? 
Hedvig.

You could say "the bottom of the sea."* 
Gregers.

Oh, mayn't I just as well say the depths of the sea? 
Hedvig.

Yes; but it sounds so strange to me when other people speak of the
depths of the sea. 
Gregers.

Why so? Tell me why? 
Hedvig.

No, I won't; it's so stupid. 
Gregers.

Oh, no, I am sure it's not. Do tell me why you smiled. 
Hedvig.

Well, this is the reason: whenever I come to realise suddenly -- in a
flash -- what is in there, it always seems to me that the whole room
and everything in it should be called "the depths of the sea." But
that is so stupid. 
Gregers.

You mustn't say that. 
Hedvig.

Oh, yes, for you know it is only a garret. 
Gregers
[ (looks fixedly at her).]

Are you so sure of that? 
Hedvig
[ (astonished).]

That it's a garret? 
Gregers.

Are you quite certain of it?[

[HEDVIG is silent, and looks at him open-mouthed. GINA comes
in from the kitchen with the table things.]

Gregers
[ (rising).]

I have come in upon you too early. *

Gregers here uses the old-fashioned expression "havsens bund,"
while Hedvig would have him use the more commonplace "havets
bund" or "havbunden." Page 58

Gina.

Oh, you must be somewhere; and we're nearly ready now, any way.
Clear the table, Hedvig.[

[HEDVIG clears away ker things; she and GINA lay the cloth
during what follows. GREGERS seats himself in the arm-chair,
and turns over an album.]

Gregers.

I hear you can retouch, Mrs. Ekdal. 

Gina
[ (with a side glance).]

Yes, I can. 
Gregers.

That was exceedingly lucky. 
Gina.

How -- lucky? 
Gregers.

Since Ekdal took to photography, I mean. 
Hedvig.

Mother can take photographs, too. 
Gina.

Oh, yes; I was bound to learn that. 
Gregers.

So it is really you that carry on the business, I suppose? 
Gina.

Yes, when Ekdal hasn't time himself -- 
Gregers.

He is a great deal taken up with his old father, I daresay. 
Gina.

Yes; and then you can't expect a man like Ekdal to do nothing but
take car-de-visits of Dick, Tom and Harry. 
Gregers.

I quite agree with you; but having once gone in for the thing -- 
Gina.

You can surely understand, Mr. Werle, that Ekdal's not like one of
your common photographers. 
Gregers.

Of course not; but still -- [ [A shot is fired within the garret.]

Gregers
[ (starting up).]

What's that? 

Gina.

Ugh! now they're firing again! 
Gregers.

Have they firearms in there? 
Hedvig.

They are out shooting. 
Gregers.

What! (At the door of the garret.) Are you shooting, Hialmar? 
Hialmar
[ (inside the net).]

Are you there? I didn't know; Page 59

I was so taken up -- [ (To HEDVIG.)]
Why did you not let us know? [ [Comes into the studio.]

Gregers.

Do you go shooting in the garret? 

Hialmar
[ (showing a double-barrelled pistol).]

Oh, only with this thing. 
Gina.

Yes, you and grandfather will do yourselves a mischief some day
with that there pigstol. 
Hialmar
[ (with irritation).]

I believe I have told you that this kind of firearm is called a pistol. 
Gina.

Oh, that doesn't make it much better, that I can see. 
Gregers.

So you have become a sportsman, too, Hialmar? 
Hialmar.

Only a little rabbit-shooting now and then. Mostly to please father,
you understand. 
Gina.

Men are strange beings; they must always have something to
pervert theirselves with. 
Hialmar
[ (snappishly).]

Just so; we must always have something to divert ourselves with. 
Gina.

Yes, that's just what I say. 
Hialmar.

H'm. [ (To GREGERS).]
You see the garret is fortunately so situated that no one can hear us
shooting. [(Lays the pistol on the top shelf of the bookcase.)]
Don't touch the pistol, Hedvig! One of the barrels is loaded;
remember that. 
Gregers
[ (looking through the net).]

You have a fowling-piece too, I see. 
Hialmar.

That is father's old gun. It's of no use now; something has gone
wrong with the lock. But it's fun to have it all the same; for we can
take it to pieces now and then, and clean and grease it, and screw it
together again. -- Of course, it's mostly father that fiddle-faddles
with all that sort of thing. 
Hedvig
[ (beside GREGERS).]

Now you can see the wild duck properly. 
Gregers.

I was just looking at her. One of her wings seems to me to droop a
bit. Page 60

Hedvig.

Well, no wonder; her wing was broken, you know. 
Gregers.

And she trails one foot a little. Isn't that so? 
Hialmar.

Perhaps a very little bit. 
Hedvig.

Yes, it was by that foot the dog took hold of her. 
Hialmar.

But otherwise she hasn't the least thing the matter with her; and
that is simply marvellous for a creature that has a charge of shot in
her body, and has been between a dog's teeth -- 
Gregers
[ (with a glance at HEDVIG) -- and]

that has lain in the depths of the sea -- so long. Hedvig
[ (smiling).]

Yes. 
Gina
[ (laying the table).]

That blessed wild duck! What a lot of fuss you do make over her. 
Hialmar.

H'm; -- will lunch soon be ready? 
Gina.

Yes, directly. Hedvig, you must come and help me now.[ [GINA
and HEDVIG go out into the kitchen.]

Hialmar
[ (in a low voice).]

I think you had better not stand there looking in at father; he
doesn't like it. [ (GREGERS moves away from the garret door.)]
Besides, I may as well shut up before the others come. [ (Claps his
hands to drive the fowls back.)]
Shh -- shh, in with you! [ (Draws up the curtain and pulls the doors
together.)]
All the contrivances are my own invention. It's really quite
amusing to have things of this sort to potter with, and to put to
rights when they get out of order. And it's absolutely necessary,
too; for Gina objects to having rabbits and fowls in the studio. 

Gregers.

To be sure; and I suppose the studio is your wife's special
department? 
Hialmar.

As a rule, I leave the everyday details of busihess to her; for then I
can take refuge in the parlour and give my mind to more important
things. 
Gregers.

What things may they be, Hialmar? 
Hialmar.

I wonder you have not asked that question Page 61

sooner. But perhaps you haven't heard of the invention? Gregers.

The invention? No. 
Hialmar.

Really? Have you not? Oh, no, out there in the wilds -- 
Gregers.

So you have invented something, have you? 
Hialmar.

It is not quite completed yet; but I am working at it. You can easily
imagine that when I resolved to devote myself to photography, it
wasn't simply with the idea of taking likenesses of all sorts of
commonplace people. 
Gregers.

No; your wife was saying the same thing just now. 
Hialmar.

I swore that if I consecrated my powers to this handicraft, I would
so exalt it that it should become both an art and a science. And to
that end I determined to make this great invention. 
Gregers.

And what is the nature of the invention? What purpose does it
serve? 
Hialmar.

Oh, my dear fellow, you mustn't ask for details yet. It takes time,
you see. And you must not think that my motive is vanity. It is not
for my own sake that I am working. Oh, no; it is my life's mission
that stands before me night and day. 
Gregers.

What is your life's mission? 
Hialmar.

Do you forget the old man with the silver hair? 
Gregers.

Your poor father? Well, but what can you do for him? 
Hialmar.

I can raise up his self-respect from the dead, by restoring the name
of Ekdal to honour and dignity. 
Gregers.

Then that is your life's mission? 
Hialmar.

Yes. I will rescue the shipwrecked man. For shipwrecked he was,
by the very first blast of the storm. Even while those terrible
investigations were going on, he was no longer himself. That pistol
there -- the one we use to shoot rabbits with -- has played its part in
the tragedy of the house of Ekdal. 
Gregers.

The pistol? Indeed? Page 62

Hialmar.

When the sentence of imprisonment was passed -- he had the pistol
in his hand -- 
Gregers.

Had he -- ? 
Hialmar.

Yes; but he dared not use it. His courage failed him. So broken, so
demoralised was he even then! Oh, can you understand it? He, a
soldier; he, who had shot nine bears, and who was descended from
two lieutenant-colonels -- one after the other, of course. Can you
understand it, Gregers? 
Gregers.

Yes, I understand it well enough. 
Hialmar.

I cannot. And once more the pistol played a part in the history of
our house. When he had put on the grey clothes and was under
lock and key -- oh, that was a terrible time for me, I can tell you. I
kept the blinds drawn down over both my windows. When I
peeped out, I saw the sun shining as if nothing had happened. I
could not understand it. I saw people going along the street,
laughing and talking about indifferent things. I could not
understand it. It seemed to me that the whole of existence must be
at a standstill -- as if under an eclipse. 
Gregers.

I felt that, too, when my mother died. 
Hialmar.

It was in such an hour that Hialmar Ekdal pointed the pistol at his
own breast. 
Gregers.

You, too, thought of -- ! 
Hialmar.

Yes. 
Gregers.

But you did not fire? 
Hialmar.

No. At the decisive moment I won the victory over myself. I
remained in life. But I can assure you it takes some courage to
choose life under circumstances like those. 
Gregers.

Well, that depends on how you look at it. 
Hialmar.

Yes, indeed, it takes courage. But I am glad I was firm: for now I
shall soon perfect my invention; and Dr. Relling thinks, as I do
myself, that father may be allowed to wear his uniform again. I
will demand that as my sole reward. Page 63

Gregers.

So that is what he meant about his uniform -- ? 
Hialmar.

Yes, that is what he most yearns for. You can't think how my heart
bleeds for him. Every time we celebrate any little family festival --
Gina's and my wedding-day, or whatever it may be -- in comes the
old man in the lieutenant's uniform of happier days. But if he only
hears a knock at the door -- for he daren't show himself to
strangers, you know -- he hurries back to his room again as fast as
his old legs can carry him. Oh, it's heart-rending for a son to see
such things! 
Gregers.

How long do you think it will take you to finish your invention? 
Hialmar.

Come now, you mustn't expect me to enter into particulars like
that. An invention is not a thing completely under one's own
control. It depends largely on inspiration -- on intuition -- and it is
almost impossible to predict when the inspiration may come. 
Gregers.

But it's advancing? 
Hialmar.

Yes, certainly, it is advancing. I turn it over in my mind every day;
I am full of it. Every afternoon, when I have had my dinner, I shut
myself up in the parlour, where I can ponder undisturbed. But I
can't be goaded to it; it's not a bit of good; Relling says so, too. 
Gregers.

And you don't think that all that business in the garret draws you
off and distracts you too much? 
Hialmar.

No, no, no; quite the contrary. You mustn't say that. I cannot be
everlastingly absorbed in the same laborious train of thought. I
must have something alongside of it to fill up the time of waiting.
The inspiration, the intuition, you see -- when it comes, it comes,
and there's an end of it. 
Gregers.

My dear Hialmar, I almost think you have something of the wild
duck in you. 
Hialmar.

Something of the wild duck? How do you mean? Page 64

Gregers.

You have dived down and bitten yourself fast in the undergrowth. 
Hialmar.

Are you alluding to the well-nigh fatal shot that has broken my
father's wing -- and mine, too? 
Gregers.

Not exactly to that. I don't say that your wing has been broken; but
you have strayed into a poisonous marsh, Hialmar; an insidious
disease has taken hold of you, and you have sunk down to die in
the dark. 
Hialmar.

I? To die in the dark? Look here, Gregers, you must really leave
off talking such nonsense. 
Gregers.

Don't be afraid; I shall find a way to help you up again. I, too, have
a mission in life now; I found it yesterday. Hialmar.

That's all very well; but you will please leave me out of it. I can
assure you that -- apart from my very natural melancholy, of
course -- I am as contented as any one can wish to be. 
Gregers.

Your contentment is an effect of the marsh poison. 
Hialmar.

Now, my dear Gregers, pray do not go on about disease and
poison; I am not used to that sort of talk. In my house nobody ever
speaks to me about unpleasant things. 
Gregers.

Ah, that I can easily believe. 
Hialmar.

It's not good for me, you see. And there are no marsh poisons here,
as you express it. The poor photographer's roof is lowly, I know --
and my circumstances are narrow. But I am an inventor, and I am
the bread-winner of a family. That exalts me above my mean
surroundings. -- Ah, here comes lunch![

GINA and HEDVIG bring bottles of ale, a decanter of brandy,
glasses, etc. At the same time, RELLING and MOLVIK enter from
the passage; they are both without hat or overcoat. MOLVIK is
dressed in black.]

Gina
[ (placing the things upon the table).]

Ah, you two have come in the nick of time. Page 65

Relling.

Molvik got it into his head that he could smell herring-salad, and
then there was no holding him. -- Good morning again, Ekdal. 
Hialmar.

Gregers, let me introduce you to Mr. Molvik. Doctor -- Oh, you
know Relling, don't you? 
Gregers.

Yes, slightly. 
Relling.

Oh, Mr. Werle, junior! Yes, we two have had one or two little
skirmishes up at the Hoidal works. You've just moved in? 
Gregers.

I moved in this morning. 
Relling.

Molvik and I live right under you; so you haven't far to go for the
doctor and the clergyman, if you should need anything in that line. 
Gregers.

Thanks, it's not quite unlikely; for yesterday we were thirteen at
table. 
Hialmar.

Oh, come now, don't let us get upon unpleasant subjects again! 
Relling.

You may make your mind easy, Ekdal; I'll be hanged if the finger
of fate points to you. 
Hialmar.

I should hope not, for the sake of my family. But let us sit down
now, and eat and drink and be merry. 
Gregers.

Shall we not wait for your father? 
Hialmar.

No, his lunch will be taken in to him later. Come along!    0.
     [
     0.   
[The men seat themselves at table, and eat and drink. GINA and
HEDVIG go in and out and wait upon them.]

Relling.

     0.   
Molvik was frightfully screwed yesterday, Mrs. Ekdal. 

Gina.

Really? Yesterday again? 
Relling.

Didn't you hear him when I brought him home last night? 
Gina.

No, I can't say I did. 
Relling.

That was a good thing, for Molvik was disgusting last night. 
Gina.

Is that true, Molvik? Page 66

Molvik.

Let us draw a veil over last night's proceedings. That sort of thing
is totally foreign to my better self. 
Relling
[ (to GREGERS).]

It comes over him like a sort of possession, and then I have to go
out on the loose with him. Mr. Molvik is daemonic, you see. 
Gregers.

Daemonic? 
Relling.

Molvik is daemonic, yes. 
Gregers.

H'm. 
Relling.

And daemonic natures are not made to walk straight through the
world; they must meander a little now and then. -- Well, so you
still stick up there at those horrible grimy works? 
Gregers.

I have stuck there until now. 
Relling.

And did you ever manage to collect that claim you went about
presenting? 
Gregers.

Claim? [ (Understands him.)]
Ah, I see. 
Hialmar.

Have you been presenting claims, Gregers? 
Gregers.

Oh, nonsense. 
Relling.

Faith, but he has, though! He went round to all the cotters' cabins
presenting something he called "the claim of the ideal." 
Gregers.

I was young then. 
Relling.

You're right; you were very young. And as for the claim of the
ideal -- you never got it honoured while I was up there. 
Gregers.

Nor since either. 
Relling.

Ah, then you've learnt to knock a little discount off, I expect. 
Gregers.

Never, when I have a true man to deal with. 
Hialmar.

No, I should think not, indeed. A little butter, Gina. 
Relling.

And a slice of bacon for Molvik. 
Molvik.

Ugh; not bacon!     [ [A knock at the garret door.]

Hialmar.

     
Open the door, Hedvig; father wants to come out.
Page 67

[

[HEDVIG goes over and opens the door a little way; EKDAL
enters with a fresh rabbit-skin; she closes the door after him.]

Ekdal.

Good morning, gentlemen! Good sport to-day. Shot a big one. 
Hialmar.

And you've gone and skinned it without waiting for me -- ! 
Ekdal.

Salted it, too. It's good tender meat, is rabbit; it's sweet; it tastes
like sugar. Good appetite to you, gentlemen!      
          [ [Goes into his room.]

Molvik
[ (rising).]

                    
Excuse me -- ; I can't -- ; I must get downstairs immediately -- 

Relling.

Drink some soda water, man! 
Molvik
[ (hurrying away).]

Ugh -- ugh!
     [ [Goes out by the passage door.]

Relling
[ (to HIALMAR).]

     
Let us drain a glass to the old hunter. 

Hialmar
[ (clinks glasses with him).]

To the undaunted sportsman who has looked death in the face! 
Relling.

To the grey-haired -- [ (Drinks.)]
By-the-bye, is his hair grey or white? 
Hialmar.

Something between the two, I fancy; for that matter, he has very
few hairs left of any colour. 
Relling.

Well, well, one can get through the world with a wig. After all, you
are a happy man, Ekdal; you have your noble mission to labour for
-- 
Hialmar.

And I do labour, I can tell you. 
Relling.

And then you have your excellent wife, shuffling quietly in and out
in her felt slippers, with that see-saw walk of hers, and making
everything cosy and comfortable about you -- 
Hialmar.

Yes, Gina -- [(nods to her)]
-- you were a good helpmate on the path of life. 
Gina.

Oh, don't sit there cricketising me. 
Relling.

And your Hedvig, too, Ekdal! 
Hialmar
[ (affected).]

The child, yes! The child before Page 68

everything! Hedvig, come here to me. [ (Strokes her hair.)]
What day is it to-morrow, eh? 
Hedvig
[ (shaking him).]

Oh, no, you're not to say anything, father. 
Hialmar.

It cuts me to the heart when I think what a poor affair it will be;
only a little festivity in the garret -- 
Hedvig.

Oh, but that's just what I like! 
Relling.

Just you wait till the wonderful invention sees the light, Hedvig! 
Hialmar.

Yes, indeed -- then you shall see -- ! Hedvig, I have resolved to
make your future secure. You shall live in comfort all your days. I
will demand -- something or other -- on your behalf. That shall be
the poor inventor's sole reward. 
Hedvig
[ (whispering, with her arms round his neck).]

Oh, you dear, kind father! 
Relling
[ (to GREGERS).]

Come now, don't you find it pleasant, for once in a way, to sit at a
well-spread table in a happy family circle? 
Hialmar.

Ah, yes, I really prize these social hours. 
Gregers.

For my part, I don't thrive in marsh vapours. 
Relling.

Marsh vapours? 
Hialmar.

Oh, don't begin with that stuff again! 
Gina.

Goodness knows there's no vapours in this house, Mr. Werle; I
give the place a good airing every blessed day. 
Gregers
[ (leaves the table).]

No airing you can give will drive out the taint I mean. 
Hialmar.

Taint! 
Gina.

Yes, what do you say to that, Ekdal! 

Relling.

Excuse me -- may it not be you yourself that have brought the taint
from those mines up there? 
Gregers.

It is like you to call what I bring into this house a taint. 
Relling
[ (goes up to him).]

Look here, Mr. Werle, junior: I have a strong suspicion that you
are still carrying about Page 69

that "claim of the ideal" large as life, in your coat-tail pocket. 
Gregers.

I carry it in my breast. 
Relling.

Well, wherever you carry it, I advise you not to come dunning us
with it here, so long as I am on the premises. 
Gregers.

And if I do so none the less? 
Relling.

Then you'll go head-foremost down the stairs; now I've warned
you. 
Hialmar
[ (rising).]

Oh, but Relling -- ! 
Gregers.

Yes, you may turn me out -- 
Gina
[ (interposing between them).]

We can't have that, 
Relling.

But I must say, Mr. Werle, it ill becomes you to talk about vapours
and taints, after all the mess you made with your stove.[ [A knock
at the passage door.]

Hedvig.

Mother, there's somebody knocking. 

Hialmar.

There now, we're going to have a whole lot of people! 
Gina.

I'll go [ (Goes over and opens the door, starts, and draws back.)]
Oh -- oh, dear![ [WERLE, in a fur coat, advances one step into the
room.]

Werle.

Excuse me; but I think my son is staying here. 

Gina
[ (with a gulp).]

Yes. 
Hialmar
[ (approaching him).]

Won't you do us the honour to -- ? 
Werle.

Thank you, I merely wish to speak to my son. 
Gregers.

What is it? Here I am. 
Werle.

I want a few words with you, in your room. 
Gregers.

In my room? Very well -- [About to go. Gina.

No, no, your room's not in a fit state -- 
Werle.

Well then, out in the passage here; I want to have a few words with
you alone. 
Hialmar.

You can have them here, sir. Come into the parlour, Relling.Page
70

[

[HIALMAR and RELLING go off to the right. GINA takes
HEDVIG with her into the kitchen.]

Gregers
[ (after a short pause).]

Well, now we are alone. 
Werle.

From something you let fall last evening, and from your coming to
lodge with the Ekdals, I can't help inferring that you intend to
make yourself unpleasant to me, in one way or another. 
Gregers.

I intend to open Hialmar Ekdal's eyes. He shall see his position as
it really is -- that is all. 
Werle.

Is that the mission in life you spoke of yesterday? 
Gregers.

Yes. You have left me no other. 
Werle.

Is it I, then, that have crippled your mind, Gregers? 
Gregers.

You have crippled my whole life. I am not thinking of all that
about mother -- But it's thanks to you that I am continually haunted
and harassed by a guilty conscience. 
Werle.

Indeed! It is your conscience that troubles you, is it? Gregers.

I ought to have taken a stand against you when the trap was set for
Lieutenant Ekdal. I ought to have cautioned him; for I had a
misgiving as to what was in the wind. 
Werle.

Yes, that was the time to have spoken. 
Gregers.

I did not dare to, I was so cowed and spiritless. I was mortally
afraid of you -- not only then, but long afterwards. 
Werle.

You have got over that fear now, it appears. 
Gregers.

Yes, fortunately. The wrong done to old Ekdal, both by me and by
-- others, can never be undone; but Hialmar I can rescue from all
the falsehood and deception that are bringing him to ruin. 
Werle.

Do you think that will be doing him a kindness? 
Gregers.

I have not the least doubt of it. Page 71

Werle.

You think our worthy photographer is the sort of man to appreciate
such friendly offices? 
Gregers.

Yes, I do. 
Werle.

H'm -- we shall see. 
Gregers.

Besides, if I am to go on living, I must try to find some cure for my
sick conscience. 
Werle.

It will never be sound. Your conscience has been sickly from
childhood. That is a legacy from your mother, Gregers -- the only
one she left you. 
Gregers
[ (with a scornful half-smile).]

Have you not yet forgiven her for the mistake you made in
supposing she would bring you a fortune? 
Werle.

Don't let us wander from the point. -- Then you hold to your
purpose of setting young Ekdal upon what you imagine to be the
right scent? 
Gregers.

Yes, that is my fixed resolve. 
Werle.

Well, in that case I might have spared myself this visit; for, of
course, it is useless to ask whether you will return home with me? 
Gregers.

Quite useless. 
Werle.

And I suppose you won't enter the firm either? 
Gregers.

No. 
Werle.

Very good. But as I am thinking of marrying again, your share in
the property will fall to you at once.* 
Gregers
[ (quickly).]

No, I do not want that. 
Werle.

You don't want it? 
Gregers.

No, I dare not take it, for conscience' sake. 
Werle
[ (after a pause).]

Are you going up to the works again? 
Gregers.

No; I consider myself released from your service. 
Werle.

But what are you going to do? 
Gregers.

Only to fulfil my mission; nothing more.
   *
   By Norwegian law, before a widower can marry again, a certain
proportion of his property must be settled on his children by his
former marriage. Page 72

Werle.

Well but afterwards? What are you going to live upon? 
Gregers.

I have laid by a little out of my salary. 
Werle.

How long will that last? 
Gregers.

I think it will last my time. 
Werle.

What do you mean? 
Gregers.

I shall answer no more questions. 
Werle.

Good-bye then, Gregers. 
Gregers.

Good-bye. 0.   [ [WERLE goes.]
Hialmar
[ (peeping in).]

     0.   
He's gone, isn't he? 

Gregers.

Yes. 0.   [
     0.   
HIALMAR and RELLING enter; also GINA and HEDVIG from
the kitchen.]

Relling.

     0.   
That luncheon-party was a failure. 

Gregers.

Put on your coat, Hialmar; I want you to come for a long walk with
me. 
Hialmar.

With pleasure. What was it your father wanted? Had it anything to
do with me? 
Gregers.

Come along. We must have a talk. I'll go and put on my overcoat.
     0.   [ [Goes out by the passage door.]

Gina.

     0.   
You shouldn't go out with him, Ekdal. 

Relling.

No, don't you do it. Stay where you are. 
Hialmar
[ (gets his hat and overcoat).]

Oh, nonsense! When a friend of my youth feels impelled to open
his mind to me in private -- 
Relling.

But devil take it -- don't you see that the fellow's mad, cracked,
demented! 
Gina.

There, what did I tell you! His mother before him had crazy fits
like that sometimes. Hialmar.

The more need for a friend's watchful eye. (To GINA.) Be sure you
have dinner ready in good time. Good-bye for the present.[ [Goes
out by the passage door.]
Page 73

Relling.

It's a thousand pities the fellow didn't go to hell through one of the
Hoidal mines. 

Gina.

Good Lord! what makes you say that? 
Relling
[ (muttering).]

Oh, I have my own reasons. 
Gina.

Do you think young Werle is really mad? 
Relling.

No, worse luck; he's no madder than most other people. But one
disease he has certainly got in his system. 
Gina.

What is it that's the matter with him? 
Relling.

Well, I'll tell you, Mrs. Ekdal. He is suffering from an acute attack
of integrity. 
Gina.

Integrity? 
Hedvig.

Is that a kind of disease? 
Relling.

Yes, it's a national disease; but it only appears sporadically. [
(Nods to GINA.)]
Thanks for your hospitality. [ [He goes out by the passage door.]
Gina
[ (moving restlessly to and fro).]

Ugh, that Gregers Werle -- he was always a wretched creature. 

Hedvig
[ (standing by the table, and looking searchingly at her).]

I think all this is very strange. Page 74

ACT FOURTH.
[

HIALMAR EKDAL'S studio. A photograph has just been taken; a
camera with the cloth over it, a pedestal, two chairs, a folding
table, etc., are standing out in the room. Afternoon light; the sun is
going down; a little later it begins to grow dusk. 
   GINA stands in the passage doorway, with a little box and a wet
glass plate in her hand, and is speaking to somebody outside.]

Gina.

Yes, certainly. When I make a promise I keep it. The first dozen
shall be ready on Monday. Good afternoon.[

[Someone is heard going downstairs. GINA shuts the door, slips
the plate into the box, and puts it into the covered camera.]

Hedvig
[ (comes in from the kitchen).]

Are they gone? 

Gina
[ (tidying up).]

Yes, thank goodness, I've got rid of them at last. 
Hedvig.

But can you imagine why father hasn't come home yet? 
Gina.

Are you sure he's not down in Relling's room? Hedvig.

No, he's not; I ran down the kitchen stair just now and asked. 
Gina.

And his dinner standing and getting cold, too. 
Hedvig.

Yes, I can't understand it. Father's always so careful to be home to
dinner! 
Gina.

Oh, he'll be here directly, you'll see. Page 75

Hedvig.

I wish he would come; everything seems so queer to-day. 
Gina
[ (calls out).]

Here he is!
     [ HIALMAR EKDAL comes in at the passage door.]

Hedvig
[ (going to him).]

     
Father! Oh, what a time we've been waiting for you! 

Gina
[ (glancing sidelong at him).]

You've been out a long time, Ekdal. 
Hialmar
[ (without looking at her).]

Rather long, yes.[

[He takes off his overcoat; GINA and HEDVIG go to help him; he
motions them away.]

Gina.

Perhaps you've had dinner with Werle? 

Hialmar
[ (hanging up his coat).]

No. 
Gina
[ (going towards the kitchen door).]

Then I'll bring some in for you. 
Hialmar.

No; let the dinner alone. I want nothing to eat. 
Hedvig
[ (going nearer to him).]

Are you not well, father? 
Hialmar.

Well? Oh, yes, well enough. We have had a tiring walk, Gregers
and I. 
Gina.

You didn't ought to have gone so far, Ekdal; you're not used to it. 
Hialmar.

H'm; there's many a thing a man must get used to in this world. [
(Wanders about the room.)]
Has any one been here whilst I was out? 
Gina.

Nobody but the two sweethearts. 
Hialmar.

No new orders? 
Gina.

No, not to-day. 
Hedvig.

There will be some to-morrow, father, you'll see. 
Hialmar.

I hope there will; for to-morrow I am going to set to work in real
earnest. 
Hedvig.

To-morrow! Don't you remember what day it is to-morrow? 
Hialmar.

Oh, yes, by-the-bye -- . Well, the day after, Page 76

then. Henceforth I mean to do everything myself; I shall take all
the work into my own hands. 
Gina.

Why, what can be the good of that, Ekdal? It'll only make your life
a burden to you. I can manage the photography all right; and you
can go on working at your invention. 
Hedvig.

And think of the wild duck, father, -- and all the hens and rabbits
and -- ! 
Hialmar.

Don't talk to me of all that trash! From to-morrow I will never set
foot in the garret again. 
Hedvig.

Oh, but father, you promised that we should have a little party -- 
Hialmar.

H'm, true. Well, then, from the day after to-morrow. I should
almost like to wring that cursed wild duck's neck! 
Hedvig
[ (shrieks).]

The wild duck! 
Gina.

Well I never! 
Hedvig
[ (shaking him).]

Oh, no, father; you know it's my wild duck! 
Hialmar.

That is why I don't do it. I haven't the heart to -- for your sake,
Hedvig. But in my inmost soul I feel that I ought to do it. I ought
not to tolerate under my roof a creature that has been through those
hands. Gina.

Why, good gracious, even if grandfather did get it from that poor
creature, Pettersen -- 
Hialmar
[ (wandering about).]

There are certain claims -- what shall I call them? -- let me say
claims of the ideal -- certain obligations, which a man cannot
disregard without injury to his soul. 
Hedvig
[ (going after him).]

But think of the wild duck, -- the poor wild duck! 
Hialmar
[ (stops).]

I tell you I will spare it -- for your sake. Not a hair of its head shall
be -- I mean, it shall be spared. There are greater problems than
that to be dealt with. But you should go out a little now, Hedvig, as
usual; it is getting dusk enough for you now. Page 77

Hedvig.

No, I don't care about going out now. 
Hialmar.

Yes, do; it seems to me your eyes are blinking a great deal; all
these vapours in here are bad for you. The air is heavy under this
roof. 
Hedvig.

Very well, then, I'll run down the kitchen stair and go for a little
walk. My cloak and hat? -- oh, they're in my own room. Father --
be sure you don't do the wild duck any harm whilst I'm out. 
Hialmar.

Not a feather of its head shall be touched. [(Draws her to him.)]
You and I, Hedvig -- we two -- ! Well, go along.[

[HEDVIG nods to her parents and goes out through the kitchen.]

Hialmar
[ (walks about without looking up).]

Gina. 

Gina.

Yes? 
Hialmar.

From to-morrow -- or, say, from the day after to-morrow -- I
should like to keep the household account-book myself. 
Gina.

Do you want to keep the accounts too, now? 
Hialmar.

Yes; or to check the receipts at any rate. 
Gina.

Lord help us! that's soon done. 
Hialmar.

One would hardly think so; at any rate you seem to make the
money go a very long way. [ (Stops and looks at her.)]
How do you manage it? 
Gina.

It's because me and Hedvig, we need so little. 
Hialmar.

Is it the case that father is very liberally paid for the copying he
does for Mr. Werle? 
Gina.

I don't know as he gets anything out of the way. I don't know the
rates for that sort of work. 
Hialmar.

Well, what does he get, about? Let me hear! 
Gina.

Oh, it varies; I daresay it'll come to about as much as he costs us,
with a little pocket-money over. 
Hialmar.

As much as he costs us! And you have never told me this before! 
Gina.

No, how could I tell you? It pleased you so much to think he got
everything from you. Page 78

Hialmar.

And he gets it from Mr. Werle. 
Gina.

Oh, well, he has plenty and to spare, he has. 
Hialmar.

Light the lamp for me, please! 
Gina
[ (lighting the lamp).]

And, of course, we don't know as it's Mr. Werle himself; it may be
Graberg -- 
Hialmar.

Why attempt such an evasion? 
Gina.

I don't know; I only thought -- 
Hialmar.

H'm! 
Gina.

It wasn't me that got grandfather that copying. It was Bertha, when
she used to come about us. 
Hialmar.

It seems to me your voice is trembling. 
Gina
[ (putting the lamp-shade on).]

Is it? 
Hialmar.

And your hands are shaking, are they not? 
Gina
[ (firmly).]

Come right out with it, Ekdal. What has he been saying about me? 
Hialmar.

Is it true -- can it be true that -- that there was an -- an
understanding between you and Mr. Werle, while you were in
service there? 
Gina.

That's not true. Not at that time. Mr. Werle did come after me,
that's a fact. And his wife thought there was something in it, and
then she made such a hocus-pocus and hurly-burly, and she hustled
me and bustled me about so that I left her service. 
Hialmar.

But afterwards, then? 
Gina.

Well, then I went home. And mother -- well, she wasn't the woman
you took her for, Ekdal; she kept on worrying and worrying at me
about one thing and another -- for Mr. Werle was a widower by
that time. 
Hialmar.

Well, and then? 
Gina.

I suppose you've got to know it. He gave me no peace until he'd
had his way. 
Hialmar
[ (striking his hands together).]

And this is the mother of my child! How could you hide this from
me? 
Gina.

Yes, it was wrong of me; I ought certainly to have told you long
ago. 
Hialmar.

You should have told me at the very first; -- Page 79

then I should have known the sort of woman you were. 
Gina.

But would you have married me all the same? 
Hialmar.

How can you dream that I would? Gina.

That's just why I didn't dare tell you anything, then. For I'd come to
care for you so much, you see; and I couldn't go and make myself
utterly miserable -- 
Hialmar
[ (walks about).]

And this is my Hedvig's mother. And to know that all I see before
me -- [(kicks at a chair)]
-- all that I call my home -- I owe to a favoured predecessor! Oh,
that scoundrel Werle! 
Gina.

Do you repent of the fourteen -- the fifteen years we've lived
together? 
Hialmar
[ (placing himself in front of her).]

Have you not every day, every hour, repented of the spider's-web
of deceit you have spun around me? Answer me that! How could
you help writhing with penitence and remorse? Gina Oh, my dear
Ekdal, I've had all I could do to look after the house and get
through the day's work -- 
Hialmar.

Then you never think of reviewing your past? 
Gina.

No; Heaven knows I'd almost forgotten those old stories. 
Hialmar.

Oh, this dull, callous contentment! To me there is something
revolting about it. Think of it -- never so much as a twinge of
remorse! 
Gina.

But tell me, Ekdal -- what would have become of you if you hadn't
had a wife like me? 
Hialmar.

Like you -- ! 
Gina.

Yes; for you know I've always been a bit more practical and
wide-awake than you. Of course I'm a year or two older. 
Hialmar.

What would have become of me! 
Gina.

You'd got into all sorts of bad ways when first you met me; that
you can't deny. 
Hialmar.

"Bad ways" do you call them? Little do you know what a man goes
through when he is in grief and despair -- especially a man of my
fiery temperament. Page 80

Gina.

Well, well, that may be so. And I've no reason to crow over you,
neither; for you turned a moral of a husband, that you did, as soon
as ever you had a house and home of your own. -- And now we'd
got everything so nice and cosy about us; and me and Hedvig was
just thinking we'd soon be able to let ourselves go a bit, in the way
of both food and clothes. 
Hialmar.

In the swamp of deceit, yes. 
Gina.

I wish to goodness that detestable thing had never set his foot
inside our doors! 
Hialmar.

And I, too, thought my home such a pleasant one. That was a
delusion. Where shall I now find the elasticity of spirit to bring my
invention into the world of reality? Perhaps it will die with me;
and then it will be your past, Gina, that will have killed it. 
Gina
[ (nearly crying).]

You mustn't say such things, Ekdal. Me, that has only wanted to do
the best I could for you, all my days! 
Hialmar.

I ask you, what becomes of the breadwinner's dream? When I used
to lie in there on the sofa and brood over my invention, I had a
clear enough presentiment that it would sap my vitality to the last
drop. I felt even then that the day when I held the patent in my
hand -- that day -- would bring my -- release. And then it was my
dream that you should live on after me, the dead inventor's
well-to-do widow. 
Gina
[ (drying her tears).]

No, you mustn't talk like that, Ekdal. May the Lord never let me
see the day I am left a widow! 
Hialmar.

Oh, the whole dream has vanished. It is all over now. All over!
     0.   [
     0.   
GREGERS WERLE opens the passage door cautiously and looks
in.]

Gregers.

     0.   
May I come in? 

Hialmar.

Yes, come in. 
Gregers
[ (comes forward, his face beaming with satisfaction, Page 81

and holds out both his hands to them).]

Well, dear friends -- ! [ (Looks from one to the other, and whispers
to HIALMAR.)]
Have you not done it yet? 
Hialmar
[ (aloud).]

It is done. 
Gregers.

It is? 
Hialmar.

I have passed through the bitterest moments of my life. 
Gregers.

But also, I trust, the most ennobling. 
Hialmar.

Well, at any rate, we have got through it for the present. 
Gina.

God forgive you, Mr. Werle. 
Gregers
[ (in great surprise).]

But I don't understand this. 
Hialmar.

What don't you understand? 
Gregers.

After so great a crisis -- a crisis that is to be the starting-point of an
entirely new life -- of a communion founded on truth, and free
from all taint of deception -- 
Hialmar.

Yes, yes, I know; I know that quite well. 
Gregers.

I confidently expected, when I entered the room, to find the light
of transfiguration shining upon me from both husband and wife.
And now I see nothing but dulness, oppression, gloom -- 
Gina.

Oh, is that it?[ [Takes off the lamp-shade.]

Gregers.

You will not understand me, Mrs. Ekdal. Ah, well, you, I suppose,
need time to -- . But you, Hialmar? Surely you feel a new
consecration after the great crisis. 

Hialmar.

Yes, of course I do. That is -- in a sort of way. 
Gregers.

For surely nothing in the world can compare with the joy of
forgiving one who has erred, and raising her up to oneself in love. 
Hialmar.

Do you think a man can so easily throw off the bitter cup I have
drained? 
Gregers.

No, not a common man, perhaps. But a man like you -- ! 
Hialmar.

Good God! I know that well enough. But you must keep me up to
it, Gregers. It takes time, you know. Page 82

Gregers.

You have much of the wild duck in you, Hialmar.[ RELLING has
come in at the passage door.]

Relling.

Oho! is the wild duck to the fore again? 

Hialmar.

Yes; Mr. Werle's wing-broken victim. 
Relling.

Mr. Werle's -- ? So it's him you are talking about? 
Hialmar.

Him and -- ourselves. 
Relling
[ (in an undertone to GREGERS).]

May the devil fly away with you! 
Hialmar.

What is that you are saying? 
Relling.

Only uttering a heartfelt w