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.