The Master Builder - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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. It's 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 can't 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.
