Hilda: What did you want with me?
Solness: You are the younger generation, Hilda.
Hilda: Which you fear so much——
Solness: Towards which, in my heart, I yearn so deeply.
[In the next scene Hilda compels Solness to write a few kind words on Ragnar's drawings, and send them to Brovik. He entrusts the portfolio to Kaia, and thereupon dismisses her and Ragnar from his service. Mrs. Solness re-enters.
Mrs. Solness: Are you really dismissing them, Halvard?
Solness: Yes.
Mrs. Solness: Her as well?
Solness: Wasn't that what you wished?
Mrs. Solness: But how can you get on without her——? Oh, no doubt you've someone else in reserve, Halvard.