Old Ekdal, in dressing-gown and slippers, and with a lighted pipe, appears at the door of his room.
Ekdal.
Hialmar—— Isn’t Hialmar at home?
Gina.
No, he’s gone out.
Ekdal.
So early? And in such a tearing snowstorm? Well well; just as he pleases; I can take my morning walk alone.
[He slides the garret door aside; Hedvig helps him; he goes in; she closes it after him.
Hedvig.
[In an undertone.] Only think, mother, when poor grandfather hears that father is going to leave us.