Gina. At any rate I’ll go down and speak to him.
Old Ekdal in dressing-gown and slippers, and with a lighted pipe comes in by the door of his room.
Ekdal. I say, Hjalmar—— Isn’t Hjalmar at home?
Gina. No, he’s gone out.
Ekdal. So early? And in such a heavy snow-storm? Well, well, give me a hand, please, I can go the morning rounds alone.
He pushes aside the door of the loft, Hedvig helps him; he goes in, she closes the door after him.
Hedvig (in a low voice). Oh, think, mother, when poor grandfather hears that father is going away from us.
Gina. Oh, nonsense! Grandfather mustn’t hear anything about it. It’s a mercy he wasn’t at home yesterday during all that hullaballoo.
Hedvig. Yes, but——
Gregers comes in at the entrance door.