[_Sighs._] Yes, poor old father—— HIALMAR. To make quite safe—— Where shall I find some gum? GINA. [_Goes to the bookcase._] Here’s the gum-pot. HIALMAR. And a brush? GINA. The brush is here too. _Brings him the things._ HIALMAR. [_Takes a pair of scissors._] Just a strip of paper at the back——[_Clips and gums._] Far be it from me to lay hands upon what is not my own—and least of all upon what belongs to a destitute old man—and to—the other as well.—There now. Let it lie there for a time; and when it is dry, take it away. I wish never to see that document again. Never! GREGERS WERLE _enters from the passage._ GREGERS. [_Somewhat surprised._] What,—are you sitting here, Hialmar? HIALMAR. [_Rises hurriedly._] I had sunk down from fatigue. GREGERS. You have been having breakfast, I see. HIALMAR. The body sometimes makes its claims felt too. GREGERS. What have you decided to do? HIALMAR. For a man like me, there is only one course possible. I am just putting my most important things together. But it takes time, you know. GINA. [_With a touch of impatience._] Am I to get the room ready for you, or am I to pack your portmanteau? HIALMAR. [_After a glance of annoyance at_ GREGERS.] Pack—and get the room ready! GINA. [_Takes the portmanteau._] Very well; then I'll put in the shirt and the other things. [_Goes into the sitting-room and draws the door to after her._ GREGERS. [_After a short silence._] I never dreamed that this would be the end of it. Do you really feel it a necessity to leave house and home? HIALMAR. [_Wanders about restlessly._] What would you have me do?—I am not fitted to bear unhappiness, Gregers. I must feel secure and at peace in my surroundings. GREGERS. But can you not feel that here? Just try it. I should have thought you had firm ground to build upon now—if only you start afresh. And remember, you have your invention to live for. HIALMAR. Oh don’t talk about my invention. It’s perhaps still in the dim distance. GREGERS. Indeed! HIALMAR. Why, great heavens, what would you have me invent? Other people have invented almost everything already. It becomes more and more difficult every day—— GREGERS. And you have devoted so much labour to it. HIALMAR.