The Master Builder Part 28

The Master Builder Part 28

HILDA.


[Smiles.] Making fun of you, perhaps? I, too?


SOLNESS.


Yes, exactly. Making fun--of both of us. [Looks at her.] Is it long since you found out that I was married?


HILDA.


I have know it all along. Why do you ask me that?


SOLNESS.


[Lightly.] Oh, well, it just occurred to me. [Looks earnestly at her, and says in a low voice.] What have you come for?


HILDA.


I want my kingdom. The time is up.


SOLNESS.


[Laughs involuntarily.] What a girl you are!


HILDA.


[Gaily.] Out with my kingdom, Mr. Solness! [Raps with her fingers.] The kingdom on the table!


SOLNESS.


[Pushing the rocking-chair nearer and sitting down.] Now, seriously speaking--what have you come for? What do you really want to do here?


HILDA.


Oh, first of all, I want to go round and look at all the things that you have built.


SOLNESS.


That will give you plenty of exercise.


HILDA.


Yes, I know you have built a tremendous lot.


SOLNESS.


I have indeed--especially of late years.


HILDA.


Many church-towers among the rest? Immensely high ones?


SOLNESS.


No. I build no more church-towers now. Nor churches either.


HILDA.


What do you build then?


SOLNESS.


Homes for human beings.


HILDA.


[Reflectively.] Couldnt you build a little--a little bit of a church-tower over these homes as well?


SOLNESS.


[Starting.] What do you mean by that?


HILDA.


I mean--something that points--points up into the free air. With the vane at a dizzy height.


SOLNESS.


[Pondering a little.] Strange that you should say that--for that is just what I am most anxious to do.