Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/289

 Gregers. But don't you miss all the things that used to be a part of your very being—the cool sweeping breezes, the free life in the woods and on the uplands, among beasts and birds?

Ekdal. [Smiling.] Hialmar, shall we let him see it?

Hialmar. [Hastily and a little embarrassed.] Oh no no, father; not this evening.

Gregers. What does he want to show me?

Hialmar. Oh, it's only something—you can see it another time.

Gregers. [Continues, to the old man.] You see I have been thinking, Lieutenant Ekdal, that you should come up with me to the works; I am sure to be going back soon. No doubt you could get some copying there too. And here, you have nothing on earth to interest you—nothing to liven you up.

Ekdal. [Stares in astonishment at him.] Have I nothing on earth to!

Gregers. Of course you have Hialmar; but then he has his own family. And a man like you, who has always had such a passion for what is free and wild