The worst of all.
MRS. SOLNESS.
What do you mean?
HILDA.
[Softly.] You lost the two little boys.
MRS. SOLNESS.
Oh, yes, the boys. But, you see, that was a thing apart. That was
a dispensation of Providence; and in such things one can only bow in
submission--yes, and be thankful, too.
HILDA.
Then you are so?
MRS. SOLNESS.
Not always, I am sorry to say. I know well enough that it is my
duty--but all the same I cannot.
HILDA.
No, no, I think that is only natural.
MRS. SOLNESS.
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.
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