Gregers. I’ve been delightfully lonely—with plenty of time to ponder over many things. Come here, let’s make ourselves comfortable.
He sits down in an arm-chair by the fire, and makes Hjalmar take another one by his side.
Hjalmar (moved). I have to thank you all the same, Gregers, for asking me to your father’s table. For now I know you’ve no feeling against me any longer.
Gregers (astonished). Whatever makes you think I had any feeling against you?
Hjalmar. Yet you had during the first years.
Gregers. What first years?
Hjalmar. After the great misfortune. And it was so natural you should have. Why, it was only by a hair’s breadth your father escaped being dragged into this—this horrible affair.
Gregers. And you thought I had a feeling against you because of this? What can have put such a thing into your head?
Hjalmar. I know you had, Gregers, for I had it from your father himself.
Gregers (starting). Father! So! H’m! Was that why you never wrote to me—not a single word?