Hjalmar. And I do toil, believe me.
Relling. And then you have your active wife, trotting in and out so nicely, in her felt shoes, and pottering about, looking after you and serving you.
Hjalmar. Yes, Gina (nodding to her), you are an excellent helpmate to have on life’s path.
Gina. Oh! don’t sit there a-criticising me.
Relling. And then your Hedvig, Ekdal.
Hjalmar (with emotion). Yes, the child! The child beyond all else. Hedvig, come here to me. (He strokes her hair.) What day is it to-morrow, eh?
Hedvig (shaking him). Oh, no, you mustn’t tell, father.
Hjalmar. It goes to my heart like a knife when I think how small a thing it will be; only a little festive arrangement in the loft——
Hedvig. Ah! but that’s so lovely!
Relling. Only wait till that wonderful invention is completed, Hedvig!