HILDA.
And kissed me?
SOLNESS.
Yes, I did.
HILDA.
Many times?
SOLNESS.
As many as ever you like.
HILDA.
[Turns quickly toward him and has once more the sparkling expression of gladness in her eyes.] Well, you see, I got it out of you at last!
SOLNESS.
[With a slight smile.] Yes--just think of my forgetting such a thing as that.
HILDA.
[Again a little sulky, retreats from him.] Oh, you have kissed so many people in your time, I suppose.
SOLNESS.
No, you mustn"t think that of me. [HILDA seats herself in the arm-chair.
SOLNESS stands and leans against the rocking-chair. Looks observantly at her.] Miss w.a.n.gel!
HILDA.
Yes!
SOLNESS.
How was it now? What came of all this--between us two.
HILDA.
Why, nothing more came of it. You know that quite well. For then the other guests came in, and then--bah!
SOLNESS.
Quite so! The others came in. To think of my forgetting that too!
HILDA.
Oh, you haven"t really forgotten anything: you are only a little ashamed of it all. I am sure one doesn"t forget things of that kind.
SOLNESS.
No, one would suppose not.
HILDA.
[Lively again, looks at him.] Perhaps you have even forgotten what day it was?
SOLNESS.
What day--?
HILDA.
Yes, on what day did you hang the wreath on the tower? Well? Tell me at once!
SOLNESS.
H"m--I confess I have forgotten the particular day. I only know it was ten years ago. Some time in autumn.
HILDA.
[Nods her head slowly several times.] It was ten years ago--on the 19th of September.
SOLNESS.
Yes, it must have been about that time. Fancy your remembering that too!
[Stops.] But wait a moment--! Yes--it"s the 19th of September today.