The Master Builder Part 25

The Master Builder Part 25

Yes, indeed you did. You took me in both your arms, and bent my head back, and kissed me--many times.


SOLNESS.


Now really, my dear Miss w.a.n.gel--!


HILDA.


[Rises.] You surely cannot mean to deny it?


SOLNESS.


Yes, I do. I deny it altogether!


HILDA.


[Looks scornfully at him.] Oh, indeed!


[She turns and goes slowly up to the stove, where she remains standing motionless, her face averted from him, her hands behind her back. Short pause.


SOLNESS.


[Goes cautiously up behind her.] Miss w.a.n.gel--!


HILDA.


[Is silent and does not move.]


SOLNESS.


Dont stand there like a statue. You must have dreamt all this. [Lays his hand on her arm.] Now just listen--


HILDA.


[Makes an impatient movement with her arm.]


SOLNESS.


[As a thought flashes upon him.] Or--! Wait a moment! There is something under all this, you may depend!


HILDA.


[Does not move.]


SOLNESS.


[In a low voice, but with emphasis.] I must have thought all that. I must have wished it--have willed it--have longed to do it. And then--.


May not that be the explanation.


HILDA.


[Is still silent.]


SOLNESS.


[Impatiently.] Oh very well, deuce take it all--then I did do it, I suppose.


HILDA.


[Turns her head a little, but without looking at him.] Then you admit it now?


SOLNESS.


Yes--whatever you like.


HILDA.


You came and put your arms round me?


SOLNESS.


Oh yes!


HILDA.


And bent my head back?


SOLNESS.


Very far back.