wings. We must write very, very nicely and
cordially--for this horrid Ruar--or whatever his name is.

SOLNESS.

[Writes a few words, turns his head and looks at her.] Tell me one
thing, Hilda.

HILDA.

Yes!

SOLNESS.

If you have been waiting for me all these ten years--

HILDA.

What then?

SOLNESS.

Why have you never written to me? Then I could have answered you.

HILDA.

[Hastily.] No, no, no! That was just what I did not want.

SOLNESS.

Why not?

HILDA.

I was afraid the whole thing might fall to pieces.--But we were going to
write on the drawings, Mr. Solness.

SOLNESS.

So we were.

HILDA.

[Bends forward and looks over his shoulder while he writes.] Mind now,
kindly and cordially! Oh how I hate--how I hate this Ruald--

SOLNESS.

[Writing.] Have you never really cared for any one, Hilda?

HILDA.

For any one else, I suppose you mean?

SOLNESS.

[Looks up at her.] For any one else, yes. Have you never? In all these
ten years? Never?

HILDA.

Oh yes, now and then. When I was perfectly furious with you for not
coming.

SOLNESS.

Then you did take an interest in other people, too?

HILDA.

A little bit--for a week or so. Good heavens, Mr. Solness, you surely
know how such things come about.

SOLNESS.

Hilda--what is it you have come for?

HILDA.

Don't waste time talking. The poor old man might go and die in the
meantime.

SOLNESS.

Answer me, Hilda. What do you want of me?

HILDA.

I want my kingdom.

SOLNESS.

H'm--

He gives a rapid glance toward the door on the left, and
then goes on writing on the drawings. At the same moment
MRS. SOLNESS enters.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Here are a few things I have got for you, Miss Wangel. The large parcels
will be sent later on.

HILDA.

Oh, how very, very kind of you!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Only my simple duty. Nothing more than that.

SOLNESS.

[Reading over what he has written.] Aline!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes?

SOLNESS.

Did you notice whether the--the book-keeper was out there?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, of course, she was there.

SOLNESS.

[Puts the drawings in the portfolio.] H'm--

MRS. SOLNESS.

She was standing at the desk, as she always is--when _I_ go through the
room.

SOLNESS.

[Rises.] Then I'll give this to her and tell her that--

HILDA.

[Takes the portfolio from him.] Oh, no, let me have the pleasure of
do