[Approaching.] But _I_ recognise you, my dear young lady--
HILDA.
[Pleased.] Oh, is it you that--
DR. HERDAL.
Of course it is. [To SOLNESS.] We met at one of the mountain stations this summer. [To HILDA.] What became of the other ladies?
HILDA.
Oh, they went westward.
DR. HERDAL.
They didn"t much like all the fun we used to have in the evenings.
HILDA.
No, I believe they didn"t.
DR. HERDAL.
[Holds up his finger at her.] And I am afraid it can"t be denied that you flirted a little with us.
HILDA.
Well, that was better fun than to sit there knitting stockings with all those old women.
DR. HERDAL.
[Laughs.] There I entirely agree with you!
SOLNESS.
Have you come to town this evening?
HILDA.
Yes, I have just arrived.
DR. HERDAL.
Quite alone, Miss w.a.n.gel?
HILDA.
Oh yes!
SOLNESS.
w.a.n.gel? Is your name w.a.n.gel?
HILDA.
[Looks in amused surprise at him.] Yes, of course it is.
SOLNESS.
Then you must be a daughter of the district doctor up at Lysanger?
HILDA.
[As before.] Yes, who else"s daughter should I be?
SOLNESS.
Oh, then I suppose we met up there, that summer when I was building a tower on the old church.
HILDA.
[More seriously.] Yes, of course it was then we met.
SOLNESS.
Well, that is a long time ago.
HILDA.