Gina. Remember those copies that have to be touched up; they’ve sent here now so many times for them.
Hjalmar. Really? So now it’s the copies again! They’ll be ready soon enough. Have there been any fresh orders?
Gina. No, worse luck, to-morrow I’ve nothing but the two portraits you know of.
Hjalmar. Nothing else? Oh, no, when one makes no effort——
Gina. But what am I to do? I put in all the advertisements I can afford, I’m sure.
Hjalmar. Yes, advertisements, advertisements. You see how much good they are. And so, I suppose, no one’s been after this room, either?
Gina. No, not yet.
Hjalmar. That was to be expected. When one makes no effort to—— One really must pull oneself together, Gina.
Hedvig (going up to him). Shall I fetch your flute, father?
Hjalmar. No, no flute. I ask no pleasures here on earth. (Walking up and down.) Yes, yes, I’ll work hard to-morrow, there shall be no lack of that. I’ll work as long as my strength holds out——