Ah—here one can sit and sun oneself like a cat.

[Lays her hand softly on HILDA'S neck.] It is nice of you to be willing to sit with me. I thought you wanted to go in to my husband.

What should I want with him?

To help him, I thought.

No, thank you. And besides, he is not in. He is over there with his workmen. But he looked so fierce that I did not dare to talk to him.

He is so kind and gentle in reality.

He!

You do not really know him yet, Miss Wangel.

[Looks affectionately at her.] Are you pleased at the thought of moving over to the new house?

I ought to be pleased; for it is what Halvard wants—