Gregers.
Dr. Relling, I shall not give up the struggle until I have rescued Hialmar from your clutches!
Relling.
So much the worse for him. Rob the average man of his life-illusion, and you rob him of his happiness at the same stroke. [To Hedvig, who comes in from the sitting-room.] Well, little wild-duck-mother, I'm just going down to see whether papa is still lying meditating upon that wonderful invention of his. [Goes out by the passage door.
Gregers.
[Approaches Hedvig.] I can see by your face that you have not yet done it.
Hedvig.
What? Oh, that about the wild duck! No.
Gregers.
I suppose your courage failed when the time came.
Hedvig.
No, that wasn't it. But when I awoke this morning and remembered what we had been talking about, it seemed so strange.
Gregers.
Strange?
Hedvig.
Yes, I don't know. Yesterday evening, at the moment, I thought there was something so delightful about it; but since I have slept and thought of it again, it somehow doesn't seem worth while.
