[Raps with his fist on table.
Mrs. Herdal.
[Quietly.] If you say so, Haustus, no doubt she will have to go. But you must tell her so yourself.
[Puts the watering-pot on the console table, and goes out, as Hilda enters, sparkling with pleasure.
Hilda.
[Goes up straight to him.] Good morning, Dr. Herdal. I have just seen a pig killed. It was ripping—I mean, gloriously thrilling! And your wife has taken a tremendous fancy to me. Fancy that!
Dr. Herdal.
[Gloomily.] It is eccentric certainly. But my poor dear wife was always a little——
Hilda.
[Nods her head slowly several times.] So you have noticed that too? I have had a long talk with her. She can't get over your discharging Mr. Kalomel—he is the only man who ever really understood her.