Hjalmar. For safety’s sake—— Where’s the gum?
Gina (going to the book-case). Here’s the gum-pot.
Hjalmar. And the brush?
Gina. Here’s the brush. (She brings him them.)
Hjalmar (taking up a pair of scissors). Just a bit of paper for the back. (Cuts and gums.) Far be it from me to lay hands upon the property of others—and least of all upon that of a penniless old man. No, nor upon that of anyone else. That’s it. Let it lie there for a while. And when it’s dry put it away. I never want to set eyes on that document again. Never!
Gregers Werle comes in from the passage.
Gregers (somewhat astonished). What—are you sitting here, Hjalmar?
Hjalmar (rising hurriedly). I had sunk down from exhaustion.
Gregers. You’ve had breakfast too, I see.
Hjalmar. Corporal needs make themselves felt at times.