Hedvig.

No, no.

Hialmar.

What is your mother doing out there?

Hedvig.

Oh, mother’s in the middle of making the herring-salad. [Goes to the table.] Isn’t there any little thing I could help you with, father?

Hialmar.

Oh no. It is right that I should bear the whole burden—so long as my strength holds out. Set your mind at rest, Hedvig; if only your father keeps his health——

Hedvig.

Oh no, father! You mustn’t talk in that horrid way.