I have passed through the bitterest moments of my life. GREGERS. But also, I trust, the most ennobling. HIALMAR. Well, at any rate, we have got through it for the present. GINA. God forgive you, Mr. Werle. GREGERS. [_In great surprise._] But I don’t understand this. HIALMAR. What don’t you understand? GREGERS. After so great a crisis—a crisis that is to be the starting-point of an entirely new life—of a communion founded on truth, and free from all taint of deception—— HIALMAR. Yes yes, I know; I know that quite well. GREGERS. I confidently expected, when I entered the room, to find the light of transfiguration shining upon me from both husband and wife. And now I see nothing but dulness, oppression, gloom—— GINA. Oh, is that it? _Takes off the lamp-shade._ GREGERS. You will not understand me, Mrs. Ekdal. Ah well, _you_, I suppose, need time to——. But you, Hialmar? Surely you feel a new consecration after the great crisis. HIALMAR. Yes, of course I do. That is—in a sort of way. GREGERS. For surely nothing in the world can compare with the joy of forgiving one who has erred, and raising her up to oneself in love. HIALMAR. Do you think a man can so easily throw off the effects of the bitter cup I have drained? GREGERS. No, not a _common_ man, perhaps. But a man like _you_——! HIALMAR. Good God! I know that well enough. But you must keep me up to it, Gregers. It takes time, you know. GREGERS. You have _much_ of the wild duck in you, Hialmar. RELLING _has come in at the passage door._ RELLING. Oho! is the wild duck to the fore again? HIALMAR. Yes; Mr. Werle’s wing-broken victim. RELLING. Mr. Werle’s——? So it’s _him_ you are talking about? HIALMAR. Him and—ourselves. RELLING. [_In an undertone to GREGERS._] May the devil fly away with you! HIALMAR. What is that you are saying? RELLING. Only uttering a heartfelt wish that this quack-salver would take himself off. If he stays here, he is quite equal to making an utter mess of life, for both of you. GREGERS.