The Master Builder Part 42

The Master Builder Part 42

HILDA.


That you are a little--a little mad after all.


SOLNESS.


Was that what you were thinking of?


HILDA.


Yes, of all the empty nurseries I slept in.


SOLNESS.


[Lowers his voice.] We have had children--Aline and I.


HILDA.


[Looks eagerly at him.] Have you--?


SOLNESS.


Two little boys. They were of the same age.


HILDA.


Twins, then.


SOLNESS.


Yes, twins. Its eleven or twelve years ago now.


HILDA.


[Cautiously.] And so both of them--? You have lost both the twins, then?


SOLNESS.


[With quiet emotion.] We kept them only about three weeks. Or scarcely so much. [Bursts forth.] Oh, Hilda, I cant tell you what a good thing it is for me that you have come! For now at last I have some one to talk to!


HILDA.


Can you not talk to--her, too?


SOLNESS.


Not about this. Not as I want to talk and must talk. [Gloomily.] And not about so many other things, either.


HILDA.


[In a subdued voice.] Was that all you meant when you said you need me?


SOLNESS.


That was mainly what I meant--at all events, yesterday. For to-day I am not so sure--[Breaking off.] Come here and let us sit down, Hilda. Sit there on the sofa--so that you can look into the garden. [HILDA seats herself in the corner of the sofa. SOLNESS brings a chair closer.]


Should you like to hear about it?


HILDA.


Yes, I shall love to sit and listen to you.


SOLNESS.


[Sits down.] Then I will tell you all about it.


HILDA.


Now I can see both the garden and you, Mr. Solness. So now, tell away!


Begin!


SOLNESS.


[Points towards the bow-window.] Out there on the rising ground--where you see the new house--


HILDA.


Yes?


SOLNESS.