Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/382

 Gina.

Oh, what do I know about such-like things?

Hialmar.

Hedvig, may I open the letter—and read it?

Hedvig.

Yes, of course you may, if you want to.

Gina.

No, not to-night, Ekdal; it's to be kept till to-morrow.

Hedvig.

[Softly.] Oh, can't you let him read it! It's sure to be something good; and then father will be glad, and everything will be nice again.

Hialmar.

I may open it then?

Hedvig.

Yes do, father. I'm so anxious to know what it is.

Hialmar.

Well and good. [Opens the letter, takes out a paper, reads it through, and appears bewildered.] What is this!

Gina.

What does it say?

Hedvig.

Oh yes, father—tell us!

Hialmar.

Be quiet. [Reads it through again; he has turned