The Master Builder Part 80

The Master Builder Part 80

HILDA.


Oh, that is what those boys want, is it?


RAGNAR.


[Spitefully and scornfully.] He has kept us down so long--now we are going to see him keep quietly down below himself.


HILDA.


You will not see that--not this time.


RAGNAR.


[Smiles.] Indeed! Then where shall we see him?


HILDA.


High--high up by the vane! That is where you will see him!


RAGNAR.


[Laughs.] Him! Oh yes, I daresay!


HILDA.


His will is to reach the top--so at the top you shall see him.


RAGNAR.


His will, yes; that I can easily believe. But he simply cannot do it.


His head would swim round, long, long before he got half-way. He would have to crawl down again on his hands and knees.


DR. HERDAL.


[Points across.] Look! There goes the foreman up the ladders.


MRS. SOLNESS.


And of course he has the wreath to carry too. Oh, I do hope he will be careful!


RAGNAR.


[Stares incredulously and shouts.] Why, but its--


HILDA.


[Breaking out in jubilation.] It is the master builder himself?


MRS. SOLNESS.


[Screams with terror.] Yes, it is Halvard! Oh my great G.o.d--! Halvard!


Halvard!


DR. HERDAL.


Hush! Dont shout to him!


MRS. SOLNESS.


[Half beside herself.] I must go to him! I must get him to come down again!


DR. HERDAL.


[Holds her.] Dont move, any of you! Not a sound!


HILDA.


[Immovable, follows SOLNESS with her eyes.] He climbs and climbs. Higher and higher! Higher and higher! Look! Just look!


RAGNAR.


[Breathless.] He must turn now. He cant possibly help it.


HILDA.


He climbs and climbs. He will soon be at the top now.


MRS. SOLNESS.