Hjalmar. Now, my dear, good Gregers, don’t say anything more about disease and poison; I’m not used to that sort of thing; in my house no one ever mentions such disagreeable things to me.
Gregers. Ah! I can well believe that!
Hjalmar. For it’s not good for me. And here there is no air of the swamp as you call it. The poor home of the photographer is lowly—I know that well—and my means are narrow. But, I am an inventor, remember, and I am the bread-winner of a family too. That raises me above my lowly circumstances—— Ah! here they are with the luncheon!
Gina and Hedvig bring bottles of beer, a decanter of brandy, glasses and so forth. At the same time Relling and Molvik enter from the passage; they are both without hats and top coats; Molvik is dressed in black.
Gina (putting the things on the table). Well, those two timed it well.
Relling. Molvik fancied he smelt herring-salad, and so there was no holding him back. Good morning for the second time, Ekdal.
Hjalmar. Gregers, let me introduce Mr. Molvik; doctor—— Why you know Relling.
Gregers. Yes, slightly.
Relling. Ah! This is Mr. Werle, junior. Yes, we two have often come to loggerheads with one another up at the Hojdal Works. I suppose you’ve just moved in?
Gregers. I moved in this morning.