Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/355

 Gina.

Well I never!

Hedvig.

[Shaking him.] Oh no, father; you know it's my wild duck!

Hialmar.

That is why I don't do it. I haven't the heart to—for your sake, Hedvig. But in my inmost soul I feel that I ought to do it. I ought not to tolerate under my roof a creature that has been through those hands.

Gina.

Why, good gracious, even if grandfather did get it from that poor creature, Pettersen

Hialmar.

[Wandering about.] There are certain claims—what shall I call them?—let me say claims of the ideal—certain obligations, which a man cannot disregard without injury to his soul.

Hedvig.

[Going after him.] But think of the wild duck,—the poor wild duck!

Hialmar.

[Stops.] I tell you I will spare it—for your sake. Not a hair of its head shall be—I mean, it shall be spared. There are greater problems than that to be dealt with. But you should go out a little now, Hedvig, as usual; it is getting dusk enough for you now.

Hedvig.

No? I don't care about going out now.