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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
