[Shaking his head.] Silly girl, silly girl. And the sea, too? Still full of the sea?
Mrs. Wangel.
[Taking up the cue at once.] Ah, the sea, the wonderful, changeful sea! So fresh and buoyant, you know! So rough! Not like these vapid fiords. I had a child whose eyes were like the sea.
Dr. Wangel.
[Testily.] I assure you, Ellida, you are wrong. The child’s eyes were just like other children’s eyes. All children’s eyes are. [Hilda suppresses a slight giggle. Wangel notices her for the first time.] Fishing, Hilda?
Hilda.
[Darkly.] Yes, Papa. Trying to hook a silly old carp. I think I shall catch her in the end.
Dr. Wangel.
[With interest.] What bait do you use?
Hilda.