Gina. And your good winter-coat, too! Well, that’s done for.
Hedvig (at the kitchen door). Mother, hadn’t I better—— (She sees Hjalmar, cries out with delight, and runs towards him.) Oh! Father, father!
Hjalmar (turns from her, and waives her off.) Away, away, away! (To Gina.) Take her away from me, I say!
Gina (in a low voice). Go into the sitting-room, Hedvig.
Hedvig goes in silently.
Hjalmar (busy pulling out the table-drawer). I must have my books—where are my books?
Gina. What books?
Hjalmar. My scientific works, of course—the technical periodicals, that I need for my invention.
Gina (searching in the book-case). Are these the ones without any covers?
Hjalmar. Of course they are.