Hedvig (stands still for a moment, frightened and irresolute, biting her lips to keep back her tears, then she clenches her hands convulsively and says in a low voice). The wild duck!

She steals to the book-case, and takes the pistol from the shelf, just opens the door of the loft, slips in and closes the door behind her. Hjalmar and Gina begin discussing within the sitting-room.

Hjalmar (comes in with several note books and loose papers, which he puts down on the table). Ah! what’s the good of the portmanteau! There are a thousand things I’ve must drag about with me.

Gina (following him with a portmanteau). Why don’t you leave the rest for a while, and take a shirt and a pair of drawers with you.

Hjalmar. Phew!—these wearisome preparations!

He takes off his overcoat and throws it on the sofa.

Gina. And the coffee’s getting cold, too.

Hjalmar. H’m. (Takes a mouthful—abstractedly, and then another.)

Gina (dusting the backs of the chairs). The most difficult thing will be to find such a large loft for the rabbits.

Hjalmar. What! Must I drag all the rabbits about with me, too?