The Master Builder Part 38

The Master Builder Part 38

HILDA.


No, I certainly have not. [Reflects and laughs a little.] And yet--perhaps in one single thing.


SOLNESS.


Ah, do you hear that, Aline?


MRS. SOLNESS.


What is that one single thing, Miss w.a.n.gel?


HILDA.


No, I wont say.


SOLNESS.


Oh yes, do!


HILDA.


No thank you--I am not so mad as that.


MRS. SOLNESS.


When you and Miss w.a.n.gel are alone, I daresay she will tell you, Halvard.


SOLNESS.


Ah--you think she will?


MRS. SOLNESS.


Oh yes, certainly. For you have known her so well in the past. Ever since she was a child--you tell me.


[She goes out by the door on the left.


HILDA.


[After a little while.] Does your wife dislike me very much?


SOLNESS.


Did you think you noticed anything of the kind?


HILDA.


Did you notice it yourself?


SOLNESS.


[Evasively.] Aline has become exceedingly shy with strangers of late years.


HILDA.


Has she really?


SOLNESS.


But if only you could get to know her thoroughly--! Ah, she is so good--so kind--so excellent a creature--


HILDA.


[Impatiently.] But if she is all that--what made her say that about her duty?


SOLNESS.


Her duty?


HILDA.


She said that she would go out and buy something for me, because it was her duty. Oh, I cant bear that ugly, horrid word!


SOLNESS.


Why not?


HILDA.