Gregers. But I have seen such numberless marriages of the opposite kind. And I have had occasions to see, from personal observation, how such marriages can demoralize two human beings.
Hjalmar. The whole moral foundation of a man may give way beneath his feet; that is the terrible part of it.
Relling. Well, I’ve never exactly been married, so I’m no judge of such things. But this I do know, the child is part of the marriage too. And you must leave the child at peace.
Hjalmar. Ah! Hedvig! My poor Hedvig!
Relling. Yes, you must be so good as to keep Hedvig out of all this. You two are grown-up people; you can, in God’s name muddle and meddle with your lives, if you feel inclined. But you must be careful with Hedvig, I tell you, else you may do her a mischief.
Hjalmar. A mischief!
Relling. Yes—or she may do herself a mischief!—and perhaps others, too.
Gina. But how can you know that, Relling?
Hjalmar. There is no immediate danger to her eyes.
Relling. This has nothing to do with her eyes. But Hedvig is at an awkward age. She might get into all sorts of mischief.