And what is to become of me when you are gone? What shall I have to live for then?—After that?
[With the indefinable look in her eyes.] It is surely not so hard for you. You have your duties to her. Live for those duties.
Too late. These powers—these—these—
HILDA. —devils—
Yes, these devils! And the troll within me as well—they have drawn all the life-blood out of her. [Laughs in desperation.] They did it for my happiness! Yes, yes! [Sadly.] And now she is dead—for my sake. And I am chained alive to a dead woman. [In wild anguish.] I—I who cannot live without joy in life!
[HILDA moves round the table and seats herself on the bench,
with her elbows on the table, and her head supported by her
hands.
[Sits and looks at him awhile.] What will you build next?
[Shakes his head.] I don't believe I shall build much more.
Not those cosy, happy homes for mother and father, and for the troop of children?
I wonder whether there will be any use for such homes in the coming time.