[They take hold of the old man carefully.

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.