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SOLNESS.
[More softly.] Then I think the builder will come.
HILDA.
[Nods.] The builder--he will come.
SOLNESS.
But he will never be able to build any more. Poor builder!
HILDA.
[Animated.] Oh, yes, he will! We two will set to work together. And then we will build the loveliest--the very loveliest--thing in all the world.
SOLNESS.
[Intently.] Hilda--tell me what that is!
HILDA.
[Looks smilingly at him, shakes her head a little, pouts, and speaks as if to a child.] Builders--they are such very--very stupid people.
SOLNESS.
Yes, no doubt they are stupid. But now tell me what it is--the loveliest thing in the world--that we two are to build together?
HILDA.
[Is silent a little while, then says with an indefinable expression in her eyes.] Castles in the air.
SOLNESS.
Castles in the air?
HILDA.
[Nods.] Castles in the air, yes! Do you know what sort of thing a castle in the air is?
SOLNESS.
It is the loveliest thing in the world, you say.
HILDA.
[Rises with vehemence, and makes a gesture of repulsion with her hand.]
Yes, to be sure it is! Castles in the air--they are so easy to build, too--[looks scornfully at him]--especially for the builders who have a--a dizzy conscience.
SOLNESS.
[Rises.] After this day we two will build together, Hilda.
HILDA.
[With a half-dubious smile.] A real castle in the air?
SOLNESS.
Yes. One with a firm foundation under it.
RAGNAR BROVIK comes out from the house. He is carrying a large green wreath with flowers and silk ribbons.
HILDA.
[With an outburst of pleasure.] The wreath! Oh, that will be glorious!
SOLNESS.
[In surprise.] Have you brought the wreath Ragnar?
RAGNAR.
I promised the foreman I would.
SOLNESS.
[Relieved.] Ah, then I suppose you father is better?
