Old Ekdal, in dressing-gown and slippers, and with a lighted pipe, appears at the door of his room.
Ekdal.
HialmarIsn't Hialmar at home?
Gina.
No, he's gone out.
Ekdal.
So early? And in such a tearing snowstorm? Well well; just as he pleases; I can take my morning walk alone.
[He slides the garret door aside; Hedvig helps him; he goes in; she closes it after him.
Hedvig.
[In an undertone.] Only think, mother, when poor grandfather hears that father is going to leave us.
Gina.
Oh, nonsense; grandfather mustn't hear anything about it. It was a heaven's mercy he wasn't at home yesterday in all that hurly-burly.
Hedvig.
Yes, but
[Gregers comes in by the passage door
Gregers.
Well, have you any news of him?
Gina.
They say he's down at Relling's.
Gregers.
At Relling's! Has he really been out with those creatures?
