For I have been so lonely here. I have been gazing so helplessly at it all. [In a lower voice.] I must tell you—I have begun to be so afraid—so terribly afraid of the younger generation.

Hilda.

[With a little snort of contempt.] Pooh—is the younger generation a thing to be afraid of?

Solness.

It is indeed. And that is why I have locked and barred myself in. [Mysteriously] I tell you the younger generation will one day come and thunder at my door! They will break in upon me!

Hilda.

Then I should say you ought to go out and open the door to the younger generation.

Solness.

Open the door?

Hilda.