HILDA.
Yes, I did. But that was horrid.
SOLNESS.
Was it?
HILDA.
Yes, for I dreamed I was falling over a frightfully high, sheer precipice. Do you never have that kind of dream?
SOLNESS.
Oh yes--now and then--
HILDA.
It"s tremendously thrilling--when you fall and fall--
SOLNESS.
It seems to make one"s blood run cold.
HILDA.
Do you draw your legs up under you while you are falling?
SOLNESS.
Yes, as high as ever I can.
HILDA.
So do I.
MRS. SOLNESS.
[Takes her parasol.] I must go into town now, Halvard. [To HILDA.] And I"ll try to get one or two things that you may require.
HILDA.
[Making a motion to throw her arms round her neck.] Oh, you dear, Mrs.
Solness! You are really much too kind to me! Frightfully kind--
MRS. SOLNESS.
[Deprecatingly, freeing herself.] Oh, not at all. It"s only my duty, so I am very glad to do it.
HILDA.
[Offended, pouts.] But really, I think I am quite fit to be seen in the streets--now that I"ve put my dress to rights. Or do you think I am not?
MRS. SOLNESS.
To tell you the truth, I think people would stare at you a little.
HILDA.
[Contemptuously.] Pooh! Is that all? That only amuses me.
SOLNESS.
[With suppressed ill-humour.] Yes, but people might take it into their heads that you were mad too, you see.
HILDA.
Mad? Are there so many mad people here in town, then?
SOLNESS.
[Points to his own forehead.] Here you see one at all events.
HILDA.
You--Mr. Solness!
SOLNESS.
Have you not noticed that yet?