Hjalmar. They wanted to prove that; but then it was proved to them that it was exactly the same with Chamberlains. With them too, all vintages were not equally good—so some one said.
Gina. No! What things you do think of?
Ekdal. He, he! And they had to put that in their pipes and smoke it?
Hjalmar. They had it straight to their faces.
Ekdal. Fancy, Gina, he said that straight to the Chamberlain’s faces.
Gina. Only think, straight to their faces.
Hjalmar. Yes, but I don’t wish it talked about. One doesn’t repeat such things. Besides, of course it all passed off quite good-naturedly. Why, they were nice, pleasant people why should I wound them? No!
Ekdal. But straight to their faces——
Hedvig (coaxingly). How nice it is to see you in a dress-coat. You look so well in a dress-coat, father.
Hjalmar. Yes, don’t you think so? And this one really sits faultlessly. It fits almost as if it had been made for me—a little tight in the arm-pits, perhaps. Help me, Hedvig. (Takes off the coat.) I’d rather put on my jacket. Where is my jacket, Gina?