a ruffian I had come to love--

SOLNESS.

Could you come to love a man like that?

HILDA.

Good heavens, you know very well one can't choose whom one is going to
love.

SOLNESS.

[Looks meditatively at her.] Oh no, I suppose it is the troll within one
that's responsible for that.

HILDA.

[Half-laughing.] And all those blessed devils, that you know so
well--both the light-haired and the dark-haired ones.

SOLNESS.

[Quietly and warmly.] Then I hope with all my heart that the devils will
choose carefully for you, Hilda.

HILDA.

For me they have chosen already--once and for all.

SOLNESS.

[Looks earnestly at her.] Hilda--you are like a wild bird of the woods.

HILDA.

Far from it. I don't hide myself away under the bushes.

SOLNESS.

No, no. There is rather something of the bird of prey in you.

HILDA.

That is nearer it--perhaps. [Very vehemently.] And why not a bird of
prey? Why should not _I_ go a-hunting--I, as well as the rest? Carry off
the prey I want--if only I can get my claws into it, and do with it as I
will.

SOLNESS.

Hilda--do you know what you are?

HILDA.

Yes, I suppose I am a strange sort of bird.

SOLNESS.

No. You are like a dawning day. When I look at you--I seem to be looking
towards the sunrise.

HILDA.

Tell me, Mr. Solness--are you certain that you have never called me to
you? Inwardly, you know?

SOLNESS.

[Softly and slowly.] I almost think I must have.

HILDA.

What did you want with me?

SOLNESS.

You are the younger generation, Hilda.

HILDA.

[Smiles.] That younger generation that you are so afraid of?

SOLNESS.

[Nods slowly.] And which, in my heart, I yearn towards so deeply.

[HILDA rises, goes to the little table, and fetches RAGNAR
BROVIK'S portfolio.

HILDA.

[Holds out the portfolio to him.] We were talking of these drawings--

SOLNESS.

[Shortly, waving them away.] Put those things away! I have seen enough
of them.

HILDA.

Yes, but you have to write your approval on them.

SOLNESS.

Write my approval on them? Never!

HILDA.

But the poor old man is lying at death's door! Can't you give him and
his son this pleasure before they are parted? And perhaps he might get
the commission to carry them out, too.

SOLNESS.

Yes, that is just what he would get. He has made sure of that--has my
fine gentleman!

HILDA.

Then, good heavens--if that is