Hilda.
[With an outburst.] Oh, that all seems to me so foolish—so irrelevant! As if the whole thing wasn't intended as an allegory!
Dr. Herdal.
[Relieved.] Ah, so long as it is merely allegorical, of course—— But what is it an allegory of, Hilda?
Hilda.
[Reflects in vain.] How can you sit there and ask such questions? I suppose I am a symbol—of some sort.
Dr. Herdal.
[As a thought flashes upon him.] A cymbal? That would certainly account for your bra—— Then, am I a cymbal too, Hilda?
Hilda.
Why yes—what else? You represent the artist-worker, or the elder generation, or the pursuit of the ideal, or a bilious conscience—or something or other. You're all right!