Hjalmar. Not directly; first it was taken to your father’s; but the wild thing didn’t thrive there; so Pettersen was ordered to kill it——
Ekdal (half asleep). H’m—yes, Pettersen—idiot——
Hjalmar (speaking in a lower tone). So that was how we got her, you see, for father knows Pettersen a little, and when he heard about the wild duck, he managed to get it handed over to him.
Gregers. And now it thrives so well up here in the loft.
Hjalmar. Yes, wonderfully well. She’s getting fat. Well, she’s been in there so long now she’s forgotten the old wild life; and that’s the main thing.
Gregers. You are right there, Hjalmar. Only never let her see the sky or the sea—— But I mustn’t stay any longer; for I think your father’s asleep.
Hjalmar. Oh! don’t mind him——
Gregers. But—by the way—you said you had a room to let—a spare room?
Hjalmar. Certainly—what then? Do you know anyone——
Gregers. Could I have the room?