One whom you have no right to set aside.
HILDA.
I wonder whether one really has not the right! And yet, and yet---.
Oh! if one could only sleep the whole thing away!
[She lays her arms flat don on the table, rests the left side of
her head on her hands, and shuts her eyes.
SOLNESS.
[Turns the arm-chair and sits down at the table.] Had you a cosy,
happy home--up there with your father, Hilda?
HILDA.
[Without stirring, answers as if half asleep.] I had only a cage.
SOLNESS.
And you are determined not to go back to it?
HILDA.
[As before.] The wild bird never wants to go back to the cage.
SOLNESS.
Rather range through the free air---
HILDA.
[Still as before.] The bird of prey loves to range---
SOLNESS.
[Lets his eyes rest on her.] If only one had the viking-spirit in
life---
HILDA.
[In her usual voice; opens her eyes but does not move.] And the
other thing? Say what that was!
SOLNESS.
A robust conscience.
[HILDA sits erect on the bench, with animation. Her eyes have
once more the sparkling expression of gladness.
HILDA.
[Nods to him.
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