The laughter and chatter of the guests cease. Hjalmar starts at the sight of his father; he puts down his glass and turns to the fireplace.
Ekdal (he does not look up, but makes little bows to both sides as he goes out and mutters). Beg pardon. Have come the wrong way. Door locked. Door locked. Beg pardon.
He and Graberg go out at the back, right.
Werle (between his teeth). Confound Graberg!
Gregers (with open mouth and staring eyes to Hjalmar). Surely that can not have been.
Fat Gentleman. What was that? Who was it?
Gregers. Oh, nobody, only the book-keeper and someone else.
Short-sighted Gentleman (to Hjalmar). Did you know the man?
Hjalmar. I don’t know; I don’t notice——
Fat Gentleman (getting up). What the deuce is in the wind? (He goes to the others who are talking in a low voice.)