Gina. Ah! dear Ekdal, I’ve had quite enough to think of with the house and all the daily work——
Hjalmar. So you never cast a searching glance at your past?
Gina. No; God knows, I had almost forgotten those old intrigues.
Hjalmar. Ah! This callous, insensible calm! There is something so revolting to me in this! Think—not even remorse.
Gina. But tell me, Ekdal, what would have become of you if you had not found a wife like me?
Hjalmar. Like you——
Gina. Yes, for I’ve always been a little more businesslike and practical than you. Well, of course, that’s natural, for I’m a few years older.
Hjalmar. What would have become of me!
Gina. For you had got into all sorts of bad habits when you first met me; you surely can’t deny that.
Hjalmar. So you call those bad habits! Ah! you don’t understand a man’s feelings, when he is in sorrow and despair—especially a man with my fiery temperament.