The Master Builder Part 24

The Master Builder Part 24

SOLNESS.


No, I suppose I did not.


HILDA.


You said I was lovely in my white dress, and that I looked like a little princess.


SOLNESS.


I have no doubt you did, Miss w.a.n.gel.--And besides--I was feeling so buoyant and free that day--


HILDA.


And then you said that when I grew up I should be your princess.


SOLNESS.


[Laughing a little.] Dear, dear--did I say that too?


HILDA.


Yes, you did. And when I asked how long I should have to wait, you said that you would come again in ten years--like a troll--and carry me off--to Spain or some such place. And you promised you would buy me a kingdom there.


SOLNESS.


[As before.] Yes, after a good dinner one doesnt haggle about the halfpence. But did I really say all that?


HILDA.


[Laughs to herself.] Yes. And you told me, too, what the kingdom was to be called.


SOLNESS.


Well, what was it?


HILDA.


It was to be called the kingdom of Orangia,* you said.


*In the original "Appelsinia," "appelsin" meaning "orange."


SOLNESS.


Well, that was an appetising name.


HILDA.


No, I didnt like it a bit; for it seemed as though you wanted to make game of me.


SOLNESS.


I am sure that cannot have been my intention.


HILDA.


No, I should hope not--considering what you did next--


SOLNESS.


What in the world did I do next?


HILDA.


Well, thats the finishing touch, if you have forgotten that too. I should have thought no one could help remembering such a thing as that.


SOLNESS.


Yes, yes, just give me a hint, and then perhaps---- Well?


HILDA.


[Looks fixedly at him.] You came and kissed me, Mr. Solness.


SOLNESS.


[Open-mouthed.] _I_ did!


HILDA.