Gregers. Yes, you have Hjalmar; but he has his own family. And a man like you who has always felt drawn to all that is free and wild——
Ekdal (striking the table). Hjalmar, now he shall see it!
Hjalmar. No, father, is it worth while now? Why, it’s dark——
Ekdal. Nonsense; the moon shining. (Rising.) He shall see it, I say. Let me pass. Come and help me, Hjalmar.
Hedvig. Oh, yes; do, father.
Hjalmar (rising). All right then.
Gregers (to Gina). What is it?
Gina. Oh! You really mustn’t fancy it’s anything very wonderful.
Ekdal and Hjalmar have gone up the stage. Each is pushing aside one-half of the sliding door; Hedvig helps the old man; Gregers remains standing by the sofa; Gina goes on sewing, unmoved. Through the opening of the door is seen a large, irregular loft, with odd nooks and corners, and a few stove-pipes here and there. There are skylights, through which bright moonlight falls upon certain parts of the great room; others are in darkness.
Ekdal (to Gregers). You must come quite close, please.