The Master Builder - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Oh, is it you, Hilda? I was afraid it might be Aline or the Doctor.
HILDA.
You are very easily frightened, it seems!
SOLNESS.
Do you think so?
HILDA.
Yes; people say that you are afraid to climb about--on the scaffoldings, you know.
SOLNESS.
Well, that is quite a special thing.
HILDA.
Then it is true that you are afraid to do it?
SOLNESS.
Yes, I am.
HILDA.
Afraid of falling down and killing yourself?
SOLNESS.
No, not of that.
HILDA.
Of what, then?
SOLNESS.
I am afraid of retribution, Hilda.
HILDA.
Of retribution? [Shakes her head.] I don't understand that.
SOLNESS.
Sit down, and I will tell you something.
HILDA.
Yes, do! At once!
[She sits on a stool by the railing, and looks expectantly at him.
SOLNESS.
[Throws his hat on the table.] You know that I began by building churches.
HILDA.
[Nods.] I know that well.
SOLNESS.
For, you see, I came as a boy from a pious home in the country; and so it seemed to me that this church-building was the n.o.blest task I could set myself.
HILDA.
Yes, yes.
SOLNESS.
And I venture to say that I built those poor little churches with such honest and warm and heartfelt devotion that--that--
HILDA.
That--? Well?
