It is wonderful how all these trifles
have impressed themselves on your mind.
HILDA.
Trifles! I like that! Perhaps it was a trifle, too, that I was
alone in the room when you came in?
SOLNESS.
Were you alone?
HILDA.
[Without answering him.] You didn't call me a little devil then?
SOLNESS.
No, I suppose I did not.
HILDA.
You said I was lovely in my white dress, and that I looked like a
little princess.
SOLNESS.
I have no doubt you did, Miss Wangel.--And besides--I was feeling so
buoyant and free that day---
HILDA.
And then you said that when I grew up I should be your princess.
SOLNESS.
[Laughing a little.] Dear, dear--did I say that too?
HILDA.
Yes, you did. And when I asked how long I should have to wait, you
said that you would come again in ten years--like a troll--and carry
me off--to Spain or some such place. And you promised you would buy
me a kingdom there.
SOLNESS.
[As before.] Yes, after a good dinner one doesn't haggle about the
halfpence. But did I really say all that?
HILDA.
[Laughs to herself.] Yes. And you told me, too, what the kingdom
was to be called.
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