The Master Builder Part 27

The Master Builder Part 27

HILDA.


Yes, it is; and the ten years are gone. And you didnt come--as you had promised me.


SOLNESS.


Promised you? Threatened, I suppose you mean?


HILDA.


I dont think there was any sort of threat in that.


SOLNESS.


Well then, a little bit of fun.


HILDA.


Was that all you wanted? To make fun of me?


SOLNESS.


Well, or to have a little joke with you. Upon my soul, I dont recollect. But it must have been something of that kind; for you were a mere child then.


HILDA.


Oh, perhaps I wasnt quite such a child either. Not such a mere chit as you imagine.


SOLNESS.


[Looks searchingly at her.] Did you really and seriously expect me to come again?


HILDA.


[Conceals a half-teasing smile.] Yes, indeed! I did expect that of you.


SOLNESS.


That I should come back to your home, and take you away with me?


HILDA.


Just like a troll--yes.


SOLNESS.


And make a princess of you?


HILDA.


Thats what you promised.


SOLNESS.


And give you a kingdom as well?


HILDA.


[Looks up at the ceiling.] Why not? Of course it need not have been an actual, every-day sort of a kingdom.


SOLNESS.


But something else just as good?


HILDA.


Yes, at least as good. [Looks at him a moment.] I thought, if you could build the highest church-towers in the world, you could surely manage to raise a kingdom of one sort or another as well.


SOLNESS.


[Shakes his head.] I cant quite make you out, Miss w.a.n.gel.


HILDA.


Can you not? To me it seems all so simple.


SOLNESS.


No, I cant make up my mind whether you mean all you say, or are simply having a joke with me.