Page:The collected works of Henrik Ibsen (Volume 10).djvu/276

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Solness.

I have no doubt you did, Miss Wangel.—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,[1] you said.

Solness.

Well, that was an appetising name.

1 In the original "Appelsinia," "appelsin" meaning "orange."