Gregers. No, it can not, for it may be we never shall be alone.
Werle (coming nearer). What does that mean?
During the following conversation the playing of a piano is heard from the music-room.
Gregers. How could that family be allowed to come to such a wretched pass?
Werle. Probably, you mean the Ekdals? I understand.
Gregers. Yes, I mean the Ekdals. Yet Lieutenant Ekdal was very near to you once.
Werle. Unfortunately, he was; he was only too near to me. I felt it and suffered from it many a year. It is him I have to thank that a sort of stain blurred my own good name and fame—yes, mine!
Gregers (in a low voice). Was he really the only guilty one?
Werle. Who else do you suppose——
Gregers. He and you were partners in that big forest business.