t is just what makes me
so horribly afraid.

DR. HERDAL.

Afraid? Because you have the luck on your side!

SOLNESS.

It terrifies me--terrifies me every hour of the day. For sooner or later
the luck must turn, you see.

DR. HERDAL.

Oh nonsense! What should make the luck turn?

SOLNESS.

[With firm assurance.] The younger generation!

DR. HERDAL.

Pooh! The younger generation! You are not laid on the shelf yet, I
should hope. Oh no--your position here is probably firmer now than it
has ever been.

SOLNESS.

The luck will turn. I know it--I feel the day approaching. Some one or
other will take it into his head to say: Give me a chance! And then all
the rest will come clamouring after him, and shake their fists at me and
shout: Make room--make room--! Yes, just you see, doctor--presently the
younger generation will come knocking at my door--

DR. HERDAL.

[Laughing.] Well, and what if they do?

SOLNESS.

What if they do? Then there's an end of Halvard Solness.

[There is a knock at the door on the left.

SOLNESS.

[Starts.] What's that? Did you not hear something?

DR. HERDAL.

Some one is knocking at the door.

SOLNESS.

[Loudly.] Come in.

HILDA WANGEL enters by the hall door. She is of middle height,
supple, and delicately built. Somewhat sunburnt. Dressed in
a tourist costume, with skirt caught up for walking, a sailor's
collar open at the throat, and a small sailor hat on her head.
Knapsack on back, plaid in strap, and alpenstock.

HILDA.

[Goes straight up to SOLNESS, her eyes sparkling with happiness.] Good
evening!

SOLNESS.

[Looks doubtfully at her.] Good evening--

HILDA.

[Laughs.] I almost believe you don't recognise me!

SOLNESS.

No--I must admit that--just for the moment--

DR. HERDAL.

[Approaching.] But _I_ recognise you, my dear young lady--

HILDA.

[Pleased.] Oh, is it you that--

DR. HERDAL.

Of course it is. [To SOLNESS.] We met at one of the mountain stations
this summer. [To HILDA.] What became of the other ladies?

HILDA.

Oh, they went westward.

DR. HERDAL.

They didn't much like all the fun we used to have in the evenings.

HILDA.

No, I believe they didn't.

DR. HERDAL.

[Holds up his finger at her.] And I am afraid it can't be denied that
you flirted a little with us.

HILDA.

Well, that was better fun than to sit there knitting stockings with all
those