Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/384

 Dr. Herdal.

And try to occupy his attention as long as possible

Mrs. Solness.

Yes, do, dear Miss Wangel. Keep as firm hold of him as ever you can.

Hilda. Would it not be best for you to do that?

Mrs. Solness.

Yes; God knows that is my duty. But when one has duties in so many directions

Dr. Herdal. [Looks towards the garden.] There he is coming.

Mrs. Solness. And I have to go in!

Dr. Herdal.

[To Hilda.] Don't say anything about my being here.

Hilda.

Oh no! I daresay I shall find something else to talk to Mr. Solness about.

Mrs. Solness.

And be sure you keep firm hold of him. I believe you can do it best.

[Mrs. Solness and Dr. Herdal go into the house. Hilda remains standing on the verandah. Solness comes from the garden, up the flight of steps.