Gina. But, good Lord, because grandfather got her from that good-for-nothing Pettersen, you——
Hjalmar (walking about). There are certain demands. What shall I call them? Let me say ideal demands—certain claims that a man can not set aside without wronging his own soul.
Hedvig (following him). But think, the wild duck—the poor wild duck!
Hjalmar (stopping). Why, you hear I shall spare her—for your sake. Not a hair of her head shall be hurt; that is as I was saying, I will spare her. For there are greater problems than that to solve. Now you should go out a little as usual, Hedvig, it’s dark enough now for you.
Hedvig. No, I don’t care about going out now.
Hjalmar. Yes, go along, you seem to me to be blinking so with your eyes to-day; all the vapors in here are not good for you. The air beneath this roof is heavy.
Hedvig. All right, then I’ll run down the kitchen stairs and go out for a little while. My cloak and hat?—Oh! they’re in my own room. Father, now you mustn’t do the wild duck any harm while I’m out.
Hjalmar. Not a feather of its head shall be plucked. (Presses her to him.) You and I, Hedvig,—we two!—Well go now.
Hedvig nods to her parents and goes out through the kitchen.
Hjalmar (walking about without looking up). Gina.