OLNESS.

And often and often I have to remind myself that it was a righteous
punishment for me--

HILDA.

Why?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Because I had not fortitude enough in misfortune.

HILDA.

But I don't see that--

MRS. SOLNESS.

Oh, no, no, Miss Wangel--do not talk to me any more about the two little
boys. We ought to feel nothing but joy in thinking of them; for they are
so happy--so happy now. No, it is the small losses in life that cut
one to the heart--the loss of all that other people look upon as almost
nothing.

HILDA.

[Lays her arms on MRS. SOLNESS'S knees, and looks up at her
affectionately.] Dear Mrs. Solness--tell me what things you mean!

MRS. SOLNESS.

As I say, only little things. All the old portraits were burnt on the
walls. And all the old silk dresses were burnt, what had belonged to
the family for generations and generations. And all mother's and
grandmother's lace--that was burnt, too. And only think--the jewels,
too! [Sadly.] And then all the dolls.

HILDA.

The dolls?

MRS. SOLNESS.

[Choking with tears.] I had nine lovely dolls.

HILDA.

And they were burnt too?

MRS. SOLNESS.

All of them. Oh, it was hard--so hard for me.

HILDA.

Had you put by all these dolls, then? Ever since you were little?

MRS. SOLNESS.

I had not put them by. The dolls and I had gone on living together.

HILDA.

After you were grown up?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, long after that.

HILDA.

After you were married, too?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Oh yes, indeed. So long as he did not see it--. But they were all burnt
up, poor things. No one thought of saving them. Oh, it is so miserable
to think of. You mustn't laugh at me, Miss Wangel.

HILDA.

I am not laughing in the least.

MRS. SOLNESS.

For you see, in a certain sense, there was life in them, too. I carried
them under my heart--like little unborn children.

DR. HERDAL, with his hat in his hand, comes out through the
door, and observes MRS. SOLNESS. and HILDA.

DR. HERDAL.

Well, Mrs. Solness, so you are sitting out here catching cold?

MRS. SOLNESS.

I find it so pleasant and warm here to-day.

DR. HERDAL.

Yes, yes. But is there anything going on here? I got a note from you.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[Rises.] Yes, there is something I must talk to you about.

DR. HERDAL.

Very well; then perhaps we better go in. [To HILDA.] Still in your
mountaineering dress, Miss Wangel?