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Hialmar Ekdal's studio. It is morning: the daylight shines through the large window in the slanting roof; the curtain is drawn back.

Hialmar is sitting at the table, busy retouching a photograph; several others lie before him. Presently Gina, wearing her hat and cloak, enters by the passage door; she has a covered basket on her arm.

Hialmar. Back already, Gina?

Gina. Oh yes, one can't let the grass grow under one's feet. [Sets her basket on a chair, and takes off her things.

Hialmar. Did you look in at Gregers' room?

Gina. Yes, that I did. It's a rare sight, I can tell you; he's made a pretty mess to start off with.

Hialmar. How so?

Gina. He was determined to do everything for himself, he said; so he sets to work to light the stove, and