HILDA.

[Gaily, rising.] Yes--in full uniform! But to-day I am not going
climbing and breaking my neck. We two will stop quietly below and look
on, doctor.

DR. HERDAL.

What are we to look on at?

MRS. SOLNESS.

[Softly, in alarm, to HILDA.] Hush, hush--for God's sake! He is coming!
Try to get that idea out of his head. And let us be friends, Miss
Wangel. Don't you think we can?

HILDA.

[Throws her arms impetuously round MRS. SOLNESS'S neck.] Oh, if we only
could!

MRS. SOLNESS.

[Gently disengages herself.] There, there, there! There he comes,
doctor. Let me have a word with you.

DR. HERDAL.

Is it about him?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, to be sure it's about him. Do come in.

She and the doctor enter the house. Next moment SOLNESS
comes up from the garden by the flight of steps. A serious
look comes over HILDA'S face.

SOLNESS.

[Glances at the house-door, which is closed cautiously from within.]
Have you noticed, Hilda, that as soon as I come, she goes?

HILDA.

I have noticed that as soon as you come, you make her go.

SOLNESS.

Perhaps so. But I cannot help it. [Looks observantly at her.] Are you
cold, Hilda? I think you look cold.

HILDA.

I have just come up out of a tomb.

SOLNESS.

What do you mean by that?

HILDA.

That I have got chilled through and through, Mr. Solness.

SOLNESS.

[Slowly.] I believe I understand--

HILDA.

What brings you up here just now?

SOLNESS.

I caught sight of you from over there.

HILDA.

But then you must have seen her too?

SOLNESS.

I knew she would go at once if I came.

HILDA.

Is it very painful for you that she should avoid you in this way?

SOLNESS.

In one sense, it's a relief as well.

HILDA.

Not to have her before your eyes?

SOLNESS.

Yes.

HILDA.

Not to be always seeing how heavily the loss of the little boys weighs
upon her?

SOLNESS.

Yes. Chiefly that.

[HILDA drifts across the verandah with her hands behind her
back, stops at the railing and looks out over the garden.

SOLNESS.

[After a short pause.] Did you have a long talk with her?

[HILDA stands motionless and does not answer.

SOLNESS.

Had you a long talk, I asked? [HILDA is silent as before.

SOLNESS.

What was she talking about, Hilda? [HILDA continues silent.

SOLNESS.

Poor Aline! I suppose it was about the little boys.

HILDA.