Act 2 Summary

In Hjalmar's photography studio, Gina sits sewing while Hedwig reads. Gina tells Hedwig to stop and rest her eyes. As Hedwig starts drawing, Gina suddenly remembers to add butter to her list of expenses for the day and comments on the amount of food they go through. She and Hedwig discuss the dinner party that Hjalmar's gone to, Hedwig says excitedly that Hjalmar promised to bring her something nice and Gina comments there will be no shortage of nice things.

Old Ekdal comes in, happily shows Gina and Hedwig the amount of work he's got to do, then looks into the back room and comments that "she" has settled down nicely for the night. Hedwig asks whether "she" will be comfortable and Old Ekdal says she'll be fine. He bustles in and out of his room, settling in for the evening, as Gina...