Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 8).djvu/389

 Gregers.

Do you believe I meant all for the best, Mrs. Ekdal?

Gina.

Yes, I daresay you did; but God forgive you, all the same.

Hedvig.

[Lying on the sofa.] Oh, this will kill me! What have I done to him? Mother, you must fetch him home again!

Gina.

Yes yes yes; only be quiet, and I'll go out and look for him. [Puts on her outdoor things.] Perhaps he's gone in to Relling's. But you mustn't lie there and cry. Promise me!

Hedvig.

[Weeping convulsively.] Yes, I'll stop, I'll stop; if only father comes back!

Gregers.

[To Gina, who is going.] After all, had you not better leave him to fight out his bitter fight to the end?

Gina.

Oh, he can do that afterwards. First of all, we must get the child quieted.

[Goes out by the passage door.

Hedvig.

[Sits up and dries her tears.] Now you must tell me what all this means. Why doesn't father want me any more?