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 And they were growing too—you could see the difference from day to day.

Hilda.

Little children do grow quickly at first.

Solness.

It was the prettiest sight in the world to see Aline lying with the two of them in her arms.—But then came the night of the fire

Hilda.

[Excitedly.] What happened? Do tell me! Was any one burnt?

Solness.

No, not that. Every one got safe and sound out of the house

Hilda.

Well, and what then?

Solness.

The fright had shaken Aline terribly. The alarm—the escape—the break-neck hurry—and then the ice-cold night air—for they had to be carried out just as they lay—both she and the little ones.

Hilda.

Was it too much for them?

Solness.

Oh no, they stood it well enough. But Aline fell into a fever, and it affected her milk. She would insist on nursing them herself; because it