HILDA.
Oh no! But all the same--. It"s so delicious to lie and dream.
SOLNESS.
Do you dream much of nights?
HILDA.
Oh yes! Almost always.
SOLNESS.
What do you dream about most?
HILDA.
I sha"n"t tell you to-night. Another time perhaps.
[She again strolls about the room, stops at the desk and turns over the books and papers a little.
SOLNESS.
[Approaching.] Are you searching for anything?
HILDA.
No, I am merely looking at all these things. [Turns.] Perhaps I mustn"t?
SOLNESS.
Oh, by all means.
HILDA.
Is it you that writes in this great ledger?
SOLNESS.
No, it"s my book-keeper.
HILDA.
Is it a woman?
SOLNESS.
[Smiles.] Yes.
HILDA.
One you employ here, in your office?
SOLNESS.
Yes.
HILDA.
Is she married?
SOLNESS.
No, she is single.
HILDA.
Oh, indeed!
SOLNESS.
But I believe she is soon going to be married.
HILDA.
That"s a good thing for her.
SOLNESS.
But not such a good thing for me. For then I shall have n.o.body to help me.