Gregers.
Yes, Hialmar—now is the time to show who was right, he or I.
Hialmar.
[Slowly tears the paper across, lays both pieces on the table, and says:] Here is my answer.
Gregers.
Just what I expected.
Hialmar.
[Goes over to Gina, who stands by the stove, and says in a low voice:] Now please make a clean breast of it. If the connection between you and him was quite over when you—came to care for me, as you call it—why did he place us in a position to marry?
Gina.
I suppose he thought as he could come and go in our house.
Hialmar.
Only that? Was not he afraid of a possible contingency?
Gina.
I don't know what you mean.
Hialmar.
I want to know whether—your child has the right to live under my roof.
Gina.
[Draws herself up; her eyes flash.] You ask that!
