Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 100, May 30, 1891

HIALMAR's Studio. A photograph has just been taken , GINA and HEDVIG are tidying up.
Hialmar ( coming in ). I have been for a walk with GREGERS; he meant well—but it was tiring. GINA, he has told me that, fifteen years ago, before I married you, you were rather a Wild Duck, so to speak. ( Severely. ) Why haven't you been writhing in penitence and remorse all these years, eh?
Gina ( sensibly ). Why? Because I have had other things to do. You wouldn't take any photographs, so I had to.
Hialmar . All the same—it was a swamp of deceit. And where am I to find elasticity of spirit to bring out my grand invention now? I used to shut myself up in the parlour, and ponder and cry, when I thought that the effort of inventing anything would sap my vitality. ( Pathetically. ) I did want to leave you an inventor's widow; but I never shall now, particularly as I haven't made up my mind what to invent yet. Yes, it's all over. Rabbits are trash, and even poultry palls. And I'll wring that cursed Wild Duck's neck!
Gregers ( coming in beaming ). Well, so you've got it over. Wasn't it soothing and ennobling, eh? and ain't you both obliged to me?
Gregers ( in great surprise ). Bless me! Pardon my Norwegian naïveté but this ought really to be quite a new starting-point. Why, I confidently expected to have found you both beaming!—Mrs. EKDAL, being so illiterate, may take some little time to see it—but you, HIALMAR, with your deep mind, surely you feel a new consecration, eh?
Hialmar ( dubiously ). Oh—er—yes. I suppose so—in a sort of way.
Hialmar ( eluding her ). Ha! Mrs. SÖRBY, the family Housekeeper. My father's sight failing! HEDVIG in goggles! What vistas of heredity these astonishing coincidences open up! I am not short-sighted, at all events, and I see it all—all! This is my answer. ( He takes the deed, and tears it across. ) Now I have nothing more to do in this house. ( Puts on overcoat. ) My home has fallen in ruins about me. ( Bursts into tears. ) My hat!