The Master Builder - LightNovelsOnl.com
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What castle?
HILDA.
My castle, of course.
SOLNESS.
Do you want a castle now?
HILDA.
Don't you owe me a kingdom, I should like to know?
SOLNESS.
You say I do.
HILDA.
Well--you admit you owe me this kingdom. And you can't have a kingdom without a royal castle, I should think.
SOLNESS.
[More and more animated.] Yes, they usually go together.
HILDA.
Good! Then build it for me! This moment!
SOLNESS.
[Laughing.] Must you have that on the instant, too?
HILDA.
Yes, to be sure! For the ten years are up now, and I am not going to wait any longer. So--out with the castle, Mr. Solness!
SOLNESS.
It's no light matter to owe you anything, Hilda.
HILDA.
You should have thought of that before. It is too late now. So--[tapping the table]--the castle on the table! It is my castle! I will have it at once!
SOLNESS.
[More seriously, leans over towards her, with his arms on the table.]
What sort of castle have you imagined, Hilda?
[Her expression becomes more and more veiled. She seems gazing inwards at herself.
HILDA.
[Slowly.] My castle shall stand on a height--on a very great height--with a clear outlook on all sides, so that I can see far--far around.
SOLNESS.
And no doubt it is to have a high tower!
HILDA.
A tremendously high tower. And at the very top of the tower there shall be a balcony. And I will stand out upon it--
SOLNESS.
[Involuntarily clutches at his forehead.] How can you like to stand at such a dizzy height--?
HILDA.
Yes, I will! Right up there will I stand and look down on the other people--on those that are building churches, and homes for mother and father and the troop of children. And you may come up and look on at it, too.
SOLNESS.
[In a low tone.] Is the builder to be allowed to come up beside the princess?
HILDA.
If the builder will.
