[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 Gråberg wait a day or two? After all, it’s not a matter of life and death.[death.]

Hialmar.

No; and you’re not his slave either.

Ekdal.

And about that other business in there——

Hialmar.