Yes, indeed you did. You took me in both your arms, and bent my head back, and kissed me--many times.
SOLNESS.
Now really, my dear Miss w.a.n.gel--!
HILDA.
[Rises.] You surely cannot mean to deny it?
SOLNESS.
Yes, I do. I deny it altogether!
HILDA.
[Looks scornfully at him.] Oh, indeed!
[She turns and goes slowly up to the stove, where she remains standing motionless, her face averted from him, her hands behind her back. Short pause.
SOLNESS.
[Goes cautiously up behind her.] Miss w.a.n.gel--!
HILDA.
[Is silent and does not move.]
SOLNESS.
Don"t stand there like a statue. You must have dreamt all this. [Lays his hand on her arm.] Now just listen--
HILDA.
[Makes an impatient movement with her arm.]
SOLNESS.
[As a thought flashes upon him.] Or--! Wait a moment! There is something under all this, you may depend!
HILDA.
[Does not move.]
SOLNESS.
[In a low voice, but with emphasis.] I must have thought all that. I must have wished it--have willed it--have longed to do it. And then--.
May not that be the explanation.
HILDA.
[Is still silent.]
SOLNESS.
[Impatiently.] Oh very well, deuce take it all--then I did do it, I suppose.
HILDA.
[Turns her head a little, but without looking at him.] Then you admit it now?
SOLNESS.
Yes--whatever you like.
HILDA.
You came and put your arms round me?
SOLNESS.
Oh yes!
HILDA.
And bent my head back?
SOLNESS.
Very far back.