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SOLNESS.
No, I suppose I did not.
HILDA.
You said I was lovely in my white dress, and that I looked like a little princess.
SOLNESS.
I have no doubt you did, Miss w.a.n.gel.--And besides--I was feeling so buoyant and free that day--
HILDA.
And then you said that when I grew up I should be your princess.
SOLNESS.
[Laughing a little.] Dear, dear--did I say that too?
HILDA.
Yes, you did. And when I asked how long I should have to wait, you said that you would come again in ten years--like a troll--and carry me off--to Spain or some such place. And you promised you would buy me a kingdom there.
SOLNESS.
[As before.] Yes, after a good dinner one doesn't haggle about the halfpence. But did I really say all that?
HILDA.
[Laughs to herself.] Yes. And you told me, too, what the kingdom was to be called.
SOLNESS.
Well, what was it?
HILDA.
It was to be called the kingdom of Orangia,* you said.
*In the original "Appelsinia," "appelsin" meaning "orange."
SOLNESS.
Well, that was an appetising name.
HILDA.
No, I didn't like it a bit; for it seemed as though you wanted to make game of me.
SOLNESS.
I am sure that cannot have been my intention.
HILDA.
No, I should hope not--considering what you did next--
SOLNESS.
What in the world did I do next?
HILDA.
Well, that's the finis.h.i.+ng touch, if you have forgotten that too. I should have thought no one could help remembering such a thing as that.
SOLNESS.
Yes, yes, just give me a hint, and then perhaps---- Well?
HILDA.
[Looks fixedly at him.] You came and kissed me, Mr. Solness.
SOLNESS.
[Open-mouthed.] _I_ did!
HILDA.
