Hjalmar. He’ll never be able to manage that alone! And yet I’m condemned to sit here——
Hedvig (going up to him). Give me the brush, father; I can do it.
Hjalmar. Oh, nonsense. You’d only spoil your eyes with it.
Hedvig. Not a bit! Come, give me the brush!
Hjalmar (rising). Well, yes, it won’t take more than a minute or two.
Hedvig. Tut! What does it matter? (Taking the brush.) That’s it. (Sitting down.) And I’ve got one here to copy from.
Hjalmar. But don’t spoil your eyes! Do you hear—I will not be answerable; you must take the responsibility upon yourself—I tell you that.
Hedvig (retouching). All right, I don’t mind.
Hjalmar. You’re very quick at it, Hedvig. Only a few minutes, you understand.
He squeezes past the curtain in the loft. Hedvig sits working. Hjalmar and Ekdal are heard discussing within.