Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/335

 Hilda. [With a quivering of the lips.] Oh, it was no such simple matter to leave father—I am so awfully fond of him.

Solness. Dear me! for a month or two

Hilda. I think I shall never go home again.

Solness. Never? Then why did you leave him?

Hilda. [Half-seriously, half-banteringly.] Have you forgotten again that the ten years are up?

Solness. Oh nonsense. Was anything wrong at home? Eh?

Hilda. [Quite seriously.] It was this impulse within me that urged and goaded me to come—and lured and drew me on, as well.

Solness. [Eagerly.] There, we have it! There we have it, Hilda! There is a troll in you too, as in me. For it's the troll in one, you see—it is that that calls to the powers outside us. And then you must give in—whether you will or no.

Hilda. I almost think you are right, Mr. Solness.