Yes, you may well say so, Hilda. Still--[_dubiously_]--it _does_ occur to me that such doings may perhaps be misunderstood--by the narrow-minded and conventional. [_They go on the lawn, and sit down._ HILDA. [_With an outburst._] Oh, that all seems to me so foolish--so irrelevant! As if the whole thing wasn't intended as an allegory! DR. HERDAL. [_Relieved._] Ah, so long as it is merely _allegorical_, of course---- But what is it an allegory _of_, Hilda? HILDA. [_Reflects in vain._] How can you sit there and ask such questions? I suppose I am a symbol--of some sort. DR. HERDAL. [_As a thought flashes upon him._] A cymbal? That would certainly account for your bra---- Then, am _I_ a cymbal too, Hilda? HILDA. Why yes--what else? You represent the artist-worker, or the elder generation, or the pursuit of the ideal, or a bilious conscience--or something or other. _You're_ all right! DR. HERDAL. [_Shakes his head._] Am I? But I don't quite see---- Well, well, cymbals are meant to clash a little. And I see plainly now that I ought to prescribe this powder for as many as possible. Isn't it terrible, Hilda, that so many poor souls never really die their own deaths--pass out of the world without even the formality of an inquest? As the district Coroner, I feel strongly on the subject. HILDA. And, when the Coroner has finished sitting on all the bodies, perhaps--but I shan't tell you now. [_Speaks as if to a child._] There, run away and finish making the rainbow-powder, do! DR. HERDAL. [_Skips up into the dispensary._] I will--I will! Oh, I do feel such a troll--such a light-haired, light-headed old devil! RÜBUB. [_Enters garden-gate._] I have had my dismissal--but I'm not going without saying good-bye to Mrs. Herdal. HILDA. Dr. Herdal would disapprove--you really must not, Mr. Kalomel. And, besides, Mrs. Herdal is not at home. She is in the town buying me a reel of cotton. _Dr._ Herdal is in. He is making real rainbow powders for regenerating everybody all round. Won't _that_ be fun? RÜBUB. _Making_ powders? Ha! ha! But you will see he won't _take_ one himself. It is quite notorious to us younger men that he simply daren't do it. HILDA. [_With a little snort of contempt._] Oh, I daresay--that's so likely! [_Defiantly._] I know he _can_, though. I've _seen_ him! RÜBUB. There is a tradition that he once--but not now--he knows better. I think you said Mrs. Herdal was in the town? I will go and look for her. I understand her so well. [_Goes out by gate._ HILDA. [_Calls._] Dr. Herdal! Come out this minute. I want you--awfully! DR. HERDAL. [_Puts his head out._] Just when I am making such wonderful progress with the powder. [_Comes down and leans on a table._] Have you hit upon some way of giving it to Aline? I thought if you were to put it in her arrowroot----? HILDA.