HILDA.
Can"t you get hold of some one else who will do just as well?
SOLNESS.
Perhaps you would stay here and--and write in the ledger?
HILDA.
[Measures him with a glance.] Yes, I daresay! No, thank you--nothing of that sort for me.
[She again strolls across the room, and sits down on the rocking-chair. SOLNESS too goes to the table.
HILDA.
[Continuing.] For there must surely be plenty of other thing to be done here. [Looks smilingly at him.] Don"t you think so, too?
SOLNESS.
Of course. First of all, I suppose, you want to make a round of the shops, and get yourself up in the height of fashion.
HILDA.
[Amused.] No, I think I shall let that alone!
SOLNESS.
Indeed?
HILDA.
For you must know I have run through all my money.
SOLNESS.
[Laughs.] Neither trunk nor money, then?
HILDA.
Neither one nor the other. But never mind--it doesn"t matter now.
SOLNESS.
Come now, I like you for that.
HILDA.
Only for that?
SOLNESS.
For that among other things. [Sits in the arm-chair.] Is your father alive still?
HILDA.
Yes, father"s alive.
SOLNESS.
Perhaps you are thinking of studying here?
HILDA.
No, that hadn"t occurred to me.
SOLNESS.
But I suppose you will be staying for some time?
HILDA.
That must depend upon circ.u.mstances.
[She sits awhile rocking herself and looking at him, half seriously, half with a suppressed smile. Then she takes off her hat and puts it on the table in front of her.
HILDA.
Mr. Solness!