Hilda.

[Controlling her impatience.] I asked how you were.

Mrs. Wangel.

But you called me mother. I’m not your mother. I’m only your step-mother.

Hilda.

But I can’t address you as step-mother. “People don’t do those things,” as dear Hedda Gabler always says.

Mrs. Wangel.

[Whose attention is clearly wandering.] I suppose they don’t.

Hilda.

Mother, have you seen him?