Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/285

 Gregers. She promises to be very like you, Mrs. Ekdal. How old is she now?

Gina. Hedvig is close on fourteen; her birthday is the day after to-morrow.

Gregers. She is pretty tall for her age, then.

Gina. Yes, she's shot up wonderful this last year.

Gregers. It makes one realise one's own age to see these young people growing up.—How long is it now since you were married?

Gina. We've been married—let me see—just on fifteen years.

Gregers. Is it so long as that?

Gina. [Becomes attentive; looks at him.] Yes, it is indeed.

Hialmar. Yes, so it is. Fifteen years all but a few months. [Changing his tone.] They must have been long years for you, up at the works, Gregers.

Gregers. They seemed long while I was living them;