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Hedvig. No, he's not; I ran down the kitchen stair just now and asked.
Gina. And his dinner standing and getting cold, too.
Hedvig. Yes, I can't understand it. Father's always so careful to be home to dinner!
Gina. Oh, he'll be here directly, you'll see.
Hedvig. I wish he would come; everything seems so queer to-day.
Gina. [Calls out.] There he is!
Hialmar Ekdal comes in at the passage door.
Hedvig. [Going to him.] Father! Oh what a time we've been waiting for you!
Gina. [Glancing sidelong at him.] You've been out a long time, Ekdal.
Hialmar. [Without looking at her.] Rather long, yes. [He takes off his overcoat; Gina and Hedvig go to help him; he motions them away.
Gina. Perhaps you've had dinner with Werle?
