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?

[During what follows, the pianoforte is faintly heard from the distant music-room.

Gregers.

How has that family been allowed to go so miserably to the wall?

Werle.