The Master Builder - LightNovelsOnl.com
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[With an outburst.] Oh, it all seems to me so foolish--so foolis.h.!.+
SOLNESS.
All what?
HILDA.
Not to be able to grasp at your own happiness--at your own life! Merely because some one you know happens to stand in the way!
SOLNESS.
One whom you have no right to set aside.
HILDA.
I wonder whether one really has not the right! And yet, and yet--. Oh!
if one could only sleep the whole thing away!
[She lays her arms flat don on the table, rests the left side of her head on her hands, and shuts her eyes.
SOLNESS.
[Turns the arm-chair and sits down at the table.] Had you a cosy, happy home--up there with your father, Hilda?
HILDA.
[Without stirring, answers as if half asleep.] I had only a cage.
SOLNESS.
And you are determined not to go back to it?
HILDA.
[As before.] The wild bird never wants to go back to the cage.
SOLNESS.
Rather range through the free air--
HILDA.
[Still as before.] The bird of prey loves to range--
SOLNESS.
[Lets his eyes rest on her.] If only one had the viking-spirit in life--
HILDA.
[In her usual voice; opens her eyes but does not move.] And the other thing? Say what that was!
SOLNESS.
A robust conscience.
[HILDA sits erect on the bench, with animation. Her eyes have once more the sparkling expression of gladness.
HILDA.
[Nods to him.] _I_ know what you are going to build next!
SOLNESS.
Then you know more than I do, Hilda.
HILDA.
Yes, builders are such stupid people.
SOLNESS.
What is it to be then?
HILDA.
[Nods again.] The castle.
SOLNESS.
