Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/304

 Mrs. Solness.

[Takes her parasol.] I must go into town now, Halvard. [To Hilda.] And I'll try to get one or two things that you may require.

Hilda.

[Making a motion to throw her arms round her neck.] Oh, you dear, sweet Mrs. Solness! You are really much too kind to me! Frightfully kind

Mrs. Solness.

[Deprecatingly, freeing herself.] Oh, not at all. It's only my duty, so I am very glad to do it.

Hilda.

[Offended, pouts.] But really, I think I am quite fit to be seen in the streets—now that I've put my dress to rights. Or do you think I am not?

Mrs. Solness.

To tell you the truth, I think people would stare at you a little.

Hilda.

[Contemptuously.] Pooh! Is that all? That only amuses me.

Solness.

[With suppressed ill-humour.] Yes, but people might take it into their heads that you were mad too, you see.

Hilda.

Mad? Are there so many mad people here in town, then?