HIALMAR EKDAL’S _studio. A photograph has just been taken; a camera with the cloth over it, a pedestal, two chairs, a folding table, etc., are standing out in the room. Afternoon light; the sun is going down; a little later it begins to grow dusk._ GINA _stands in the passage doorway, with a little box and a wet glass plate in her hand, and is speaking to somebody outside._ GINA. Yes, certainly. When I make a promise I keep it. The first dozen shall be ready on Monday. Good afternoon. [_Some one is heard going downstairs._ GINA _shuts the door, slips the plate into the box, and puts it into the covered camera._ HEDVIG. [_Comes in from the kitchen._] Are they gone? GINA. [_Tidying up._] Yes, thank goodness, I've got rid of them at last. HEDVIG. But can you imagine why father hasn’t come home yet? GINA. Are you sure he’s not down in Relling’s room? HEDVIG. No, he’s not; I ran down the kitchen stair just now and asked. GINA. And his dinner standing and getting cold, too. HEDVIG. Yes, I can’t understand it. Father’s always so careful to be home to dinner! GINA. Oh, he’ll be here directly, you’ll see. HEDVIG. I wish he would come; everything seems so queer to-day. GINA. [_Calls out._] There he is! HIALMAR EKDAL _comes in at the passage door._ HEDVIG. [_Going to him._] Father! Oh what a time we’ve been waiting for you! GINA. [_Glancing sidelong at him._] You’ve been out a long time, Ekdal. HIALMAR. [_Without looking at her._] Rather long, yes. [_He takes off his overcoat;_ GINA _and_ HEDVIG _go to help him; he motions them away._ GINA. Perhaps you’ve had dinner with Werle? HIALMAR. [_Hanging up his coat._] No. GINA. [_Going towards the kitchen door._] Then I'll bring some in for you. HIALMAR. No; let the dinner alone. I want nothing to eat. HEDVIG. [_Going nearer to him._] Are you not well, father? HIALMAR. Well? Oh yes, well enough. We have had a tiring walk, Gregers and I. GINA. You didn’t ought to have gone so far, Ekdal; you’re not used to it. HIALMAR. H'm; there’s many a thing a man must get used to in this world. [_Wanders about the room._] Has any one been here whilst I was out?