Thin-haired Gentleman (coming up to Hjalmar and Gregers in a friendly manner). Aha! Are you standing here renewing old memories of student years? Eh? Won’t you smoke, Mr. Ekdal? Do you want a light? Ah, it’s true, we mustn’t——
Hjalmar. Thank you. I should not have——
Fat Gentleman. Haven’t you some nice little poems to recite to us, Mr. Ekdal? You used to do that so charmingly.
Hjalmar. Unfortunately, I can’t remember anything.
Fat Gentleman. Ah, that’s a pity. What shall we do, Balle?
Both gentlemen cross the room, and go into the other room.
Hjalmar (gloomily). Gregers, I’m going. You see, when a man has felt the crushing blows of fate upon his head—— Bid your father good-bye for me.
Gregers. Yes, yes. Are you going straight home?
Hjalmar. Yes, why?
Gregers. Because, perhaps, I’ll look in on you later.