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[He goes down the flight of steps with the wreath, and away through the garden.
HILDA.
[Looks after him, then turns to RAGNAR.] I think you might at least have thanked him
RAGNAR.
Thanked him? Ought I to have thanked him?
HILDA.
Yes, of course you ought!
RAGNAR.
I think it is rather you I ought to thank.
HILDA.
How can you say such a thing?
RAGNAR.
[Without answering her.] But I advise you to take care, Miss w.a.n.gel! For you don't know him rightly yet.
HILDA.
[Ardently.] Oh, no one knows him as I do!
RAGNAR.
[Laughs in exasperation.] Thank him, when he has held me down year after year! When he made father disbelieve in me--made me disbelieve in myself! And all merely that he might--!
HILDA.
[As if divining something.] That he might--? Tell me at once!
RAGNAR.
That he might keep her with him.
HILDA.
[With a start towards him.] The girl at the desk.
RAGNAR.
Yes.
HILDA.
[Threateningly, clenching her hands.] That is not true! You are telling falsehoods about him!
RAGNAR.
I would not believe it either until to-day--when she said so herself.
HILDA.
[As if beside herself.] What did she say? I will know! At once! at once!
RAGNAR.
She said that he had taken possession of her mind--her whole mind--centred all her thoughts upon himself alone. She says that she can never leave him--that she will remain here, where he is--
HILDA.
[With flas.h.i.+ng eyes.] She will not be allowed to!
RAGNAR.
[As if feeling his way.] Who will not allow her?
HILDA.
[Rapidly.] He will not either!
RAGNAR.
