Ekdal. Was so, yes. That may be. You’re looking at my uniform-cap. I don’t need to get leave to wear it at home. So long as I don’t go out into the streets in it——
Hedvig brings in a plate of bread and butter, which she puts on the table.
Hjalmar. Come and sit down, father, and have a glass of beer. Come along, Gregers.
Ekdal mutters something, and stumbles to the sofa. Gregers sits down on the chair nearest him. Hjalmar on the other side of Gregers. Gina sits a little way from the table sewing. Hedvig stands by her father.
Gregers. Can you remember, Lieutenant Ekdal, when Hjalmar and I used to go up to visit you in the summer and at Christmas?
Ekdal. Did you? No, no, no—I don’t remember that. But I may say I’ve been a great sportsman, that I have. I’ve shot bears too. Shot nine of them.
Gregers (looking sympathizingly at him). And now you never get any hunting.
Ekdal. Oh! Can’t say that, my lad. Get some hunting now and again: not that sort, of course. For the forest, you see—the forest, the forest!—— (Drinking.) Is the forest up there fine now?
Gregers. Not so fine as in your time. It’s been thinned out considerably.
Ekdal. Thinned out. (In a lower tone and anxiously.) That’s a dangerous game. It has consequences. The forest avenges itself.