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remains standing by the fire. Werle is looking for something on the writing-table, and, appears to wish that Gregers would go; as Gregers does not move, Werle goes towards the door.
Gregers.
Father, won't you stay a moment?
Werle.
[Stops.] What is it?
Gregers.
I must have a word with you.
Werle.
Can it not wait till we are alone?
Gregers.
No, it cannot; for perhaps we shall never be alone together.
Werle.
[Drawing nearer.] What do you mean by that?
[During what follows, the pianoforte is faintly heard from the distant music-room.
Gregers.
How has that family been allowed to go so miserably to the wall?
Werle.
You mean the Ekdals, I suppose.
Gregers.
Yes, I mean the Ekdals. Lieutenant Ekdal was once so closely associated with you.
