HIALMAR. It’s not nonsense! And yet you mustn’t be too hard upon me. You know that I love you for all that. HEDVIG. [_Throwing her arms round him._] And we love you, oh so dearly, father! HIALMAR. And if I am unreasonable once in a while,—why then—you must remember that I am a man beset by a host of cares. There, there! [_Dries his eyes._] No beer at such a moment as this. Give me the flute. [HEDVIG _runs to the bookcase and fetches it._ HIALMAR. Thanks! That’s right. With my flute in my hand and you two at my side—ah——! [HEDVIG _seats herself at the table near_ GINA: HIALMAR _paces backwards and forwards, pipes up vigorously, and plays a Bohemian peasant dance, but in a slow plaintive tempo, and with sentimental expression._ HIALMAR. [_Breaking off the melody, holds out his left hand to GINA, and says with emotion_:] Our roof may be poor and humble, Gina; but it is home. And with all my heart I say: here dwells my happiness. [_He begins to play again; almost immediately after, a knocking is heard at the entrance door._ GINA. [_Rising._] Hush, Ekdal,—I think there’s some one at the door. HIALMAR. [_Laying the flute on the bookcase._] There! Again! [GINA _goes and opens the door._ Gregers Werle. [_In the passage._] Excuse me—— GINA. [_Starting back slightly._] Oh! GREGERS. ——does not Mr. Ekdal, the photographer, live here? GINA. Yes, he does. HIALMAR. [_Going towards the door._] Gregers! You here after all? Well, come in then. GREGERS. [_Coming in._] I told you I would come and look you up. HIALMAR. But this evening——? Have you left the party? GREGERS. I have left both the party and my father’s house.—Good evening, Mrs. Ekdal. I don’t know whether you recognise me? GINA. Oh yes; it’s not difficult to know young Mr. Werle again. GREGERS. No, I am like my mother; and no doubt you remember her. HIALMAR. Left your father’s house, did you say? GREGERS. Yes, I have gone to a hotel. HIALMAR. Indeed. Well, since you’re here, take off your coat and sit down. GREGERS. Thanks. [_He takes off his overcoat. He is now dressed in a plain grey suit of a countrified cut._ HIALMAR.