The Master Builder Part 7

The Master Builder Part 7

SOLNESS.


[Points imperatively to a spot on the floor.] Come here! At once!


KAIA.


[Hesitatingly.] Yes.


SOLNESS.


[As before.] Nearer!


KAIA.


[Obeying.] What do you want with me?


SOLNESS.


[Looks at her for a while.] Is it you I have to thank for all this?


KAIA.


No, no, dont think that!


SOLNESS.


But confess now--you want to get married!


KAIA.


[Softly.] Ragnar and I have been engaged for four or five years, and so--


SOLNESS.


And so you think it time there were an end of it. Is not that so?


KAIA.


Ragnar and Uncle say I must. So I suppose I shall have to give in.


SOLNESS.


[More gently.] Kaia, dont you really care a little bit for Ragnar, too?


KAIA.


I cared very much for Ragnar once--before I came here to you.


SOLNESS.


But you dont now? Not in the least?


KAIA.


[Pa.s.sionately, clasping hands and holding them out towards him.] Oh, you know very well there is only one person I care for now! I shall never care for any one else.


SOLNESS.


Yes, you say that. And yet you go away from me--leave me alone here with everything on my hands.


KAIA.


But could I not stay with you, even if Ragnar--?


SOLNESS.


[Repudiating the idea.] No, no, that is quite impossible. If Ragnar leaves me and starts work on his own account, then of course he will need you himself.


KAIA.


[Wringing her hands.] Oh, I feel as if I could not be separated from you! Its quite, quite impossible!


SOLNESS.


Then be sure you get those foolish notions out of Ragnars head. Marry him as much as you please--[Alters his tone.] I mean--dont let him throw up his good situation with me. For then I can keep you too, my dear Kaia.


KAIA.


Oh yes, how lovely that would be, if it could only be managed!