Gina.

[Interposing between them.] We can’t have that, Relling. But I must say, Mr. Werle, it ill becomes you to talk about vapours and taints, after all the mess you made with your stove.

[A knock at the passage door.

Hedvig.

Mother, there’s somebody knocking.

Hialmar.

There now, we’re going to have a whole lot of people!

Gina.

I'll go—— [Goes over and opens the door, starts, and draws back.] Oh—oh dear!

Werle, in a fur coat, advances one step into the room.