[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 flashing 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.