Chapter V: Part 5

[_Rises with difficulty._] Then I am to pass out of life without any certainty? Without a gleam of happiness? Without any faith or trust in Ragnar? Without having seen a single piece of work of his doing? Is that to be the way of it?

SOLNESS.

[_Turns half aside, and mutters._] H’m—don’t ask more just now.

BROVIK.

I must have an answer to this one question. Am I to pass out of life in such utter poverty?

SOLNESS.

[_Seems to struggle with himself; finally he says, in a low but firm voice_:] You must pass out of life as best you can.

BROVIK.

Then be it so. [_He goes up the room._

SOLNESS.

[_Following him, half in desperation._] Don’t you understand that I _cannot_ help it? I am what I am, and I cannot change my nature!

BROVIK.

No, no; I suppose you can’t. [_Reels and supports himself against the sofa-table._] May I have a glass of water?

SOLNESS.

By all means. [_Fills a glass and hands it to him._

BROVIK.

Thanks. [_Drinks and puts the glass down again._

[SOLNESS _goes up and opens the door of the draughtsmen’s
office._

SOLNESS.

Ragnar—you must come and take your father home.

RAGNAR _rises quickly. He and_ KAIA _come into the work-room._

RAGNAR.

What is the matter, father?

BROVIK.

Give me your arm. Now let us go.

RAGNAR.

Very well. You had better put your things on, too, Kaia.

SOLNESS.

Miss Fosli must stay—just for a moment. There is a letter I want written.

BROVIK.

[_Looks at SOLNESS._] Good night. Sleep well—if you can.

SOLNESS.

Good night.

[BROVIK _and_ RAGNAR _go out by the hall-door._ KAIA _goes to
the desk._ SOLNESS _stands with bent head, to the right, by
the arm-chair._

KAIA.

[_Dubiously._] _Is_ there any letter——?

SOLNESS.

[_Curtly._] No, of course not. [_Looks sternly at her._] Kaia!

KAIA.

[_Anxiously, in a low voice._] Yes!

SOLNESS.

[_Points imperatively to a spot on the floor._] Come here! At once!

KAIA.

[_Hesitatingly._] Yes.

SOLNESS.

[_As before._] Nearer!

KAIA.

[_Obeying._] What do you want with me?

SOLNESS.

[_Looks at her for a while._] Is it you I have to thank for all this?

KAIA.

No, no, don’t think that!

SOLNESS.

But confess now—you want to get married!

KAIA.

[_Softly._] Ragnar and I have been engaged for four or five years, and so——

SOLNESS.

And so you think it time there were an end of it. Is not that so?

KAIA.

Ragnar and Uncle say I _must_. So I suppose I shall have to give in.

SOLNESS.

[_More gently._] Kaia, don’t you really care a little bit for Ragnar, too?

KAIA.

I cared very much for Ragnar once—before I came here to you.

SOLNESS.

But you don’t now? Not in the least?

KAIA.

[_Passionately, clasping her hands and holding them out towards him._] Oh, you know very well there is only one person I care for now! One, and one only, in all the world! I shall never care for any one else.

SOLNESS.

Yes, you say that. And yet you go away from me—leave me alone here with everything on my hands.

KAIA.

But could I not stay with you, even if Ragnar——?

SOLNESS.

[_Repudiating the idea._] No, no, that is quite impossible. If Ragnar leaves me and starts work on his own account, then of course he will need you himself.

KAIA.

[_Wringing her hands._] Oh, I feel as if I _could_ not be separated from you! It’s quite, quite impossible!

SOLNESS.

Then be sure you get those foolish notions out of Ragnar’s head. Marry him as much as you please—[_Alters his tone._] I mean—don’t let him throw up his good situation with me. For then I can keep _you_ too, my dear KAIA.

KAIA.

Oh yes, how lovely that would be, if it could only be managed!

SOLNESS.

[_Clasps her head with his two hands and whispers._] For I cannot get on without you, you see. I must have you with me every single day.

KAIA.

[_In nervous exaltation._] My God! My God!

SOLNESS.

[_Kisses her hair._] Kaia—Kaia!

KAIA.

[_Sinks down before him._] Oh, how good you are to me! How unspeakably good you are!

SOLNESS.

[_Vehemently._] Get up! For goodness’ sake get up! I think I hear some one!

[_He helps her to rise. She staggers over to the desk._

MRS. SOLNESS _enters by the door on the right. She looks thin and wasted
with grief, but shows traces of bygone beauty. Blonde ringlets.
Dressed with good taste, wholly in black. Speaks somewhat slowly and
in a plaintive voice._

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_In the doorway._] Halvard!

SOLNESS.

[_Turns._] Oh, are you there, my dear——?

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_With a glance at KAIA._] I am afraid I am disturbing you.

SOLNESS.

Not in the least. Miss Fosli has only a short letter to write.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, so I see.

SOLNESS.

What do you want with me, Aline?

MRS. SOLNESS.

I merely wanted to tell you that Dr. Herdal is in the drawing-room. Won’t you come and see him, Halvard?

SOLNESS.

[_Looks suspiciously at her._] H’m—is the doctor so very anxious to talk to me?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Well, not exactly anxious. He really came to see me; but he would like to say how-do-you-do to you at the same time.

SOLNESS.

[_Laughs to himself._] Yes, I daresay. Well, you must ask him to wait a little.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Then you will come in presently?

SOLNESS.

Perhaps I will. Presently, presently, dear. In a little while.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Glancing again at KAIA._] Well now, don’t forget, Halvard.

[_Withdraws and closes the door behind her._

KAIA.

[_Softly._] Oh dear, oh dear—I am sure Mrs. Solness thinks ill of me in some way!

SOLNESS.

Oh, not in the least. Not more than usual at any rate. But all the same, you had better go now, Kaia.

KAIA.

Yes, yes, now I _must_ go.

SOLNESS.

[_Severely._] And mind you get that matter settled for me. Do you hear?

KAIA.

Oh, if it only depended on _me_——

SOLNESS.

I _will_ have it settled, I say! And to-morrow too—not a day later!

KAIA.

[_Terrified._] If there’s nothing else for it, I am quite willing to break off the engagement.

SOLNESS.

[_Angrily._] Break it off. Are you mad? Would you think of breaking it off?

KAIA.

[_Distracted._] Yes, if necessary. For I _must_—I _must_ stay here with you! I _can’t_ leave you! That is utterly—utterly impossible!

SOLNESS.

[_With a sudden outburst._] But deuce take it—how about Ragnar then! It’s Ragnar that I——

KAIA.

[_Looks at him with terrified eyes._] It is chiefly on Ragnar’s account, that—that you——?

SOLNESS.

[_Collecting himself._] No, no, of course not! You don’t understand me either. [_Gently and softly._] Of course it is _you_ I want to keep—you above everything, KAIA. But for that very reason, you must prevent Ragnar, too, from throwing up his situation. There, there,—now go home.

KAIA.

Yes, yes—good-night, then.

SOLNESS.

Good night. [_As she is going._] Oh, stop a moment! Are Ragnar’s drawings in there?

KAIA.

I did not see him take them with him.

SOLNESS.

Then just go and find them for me. I might perhaps glance over them, after all.

KAIA.

[_Happy._] Oh yes, please do!

SOLNESS.

For your sake, Kaia dear. Now, let me have them at once, please.

[KAIA _hurries into the draughtsmen’s office, searches
anxiously in the table-drawer finds a portfolio and brings
it with her._

KAIA.

Here are all the drawings.

SOLNESS.

Good. Put them down there on the table.

KAIA.

[_Putting down the portfolio._] Good night, then. [_Beseechingly._] And please, please think kindly of me.

SOLNESS.

Oh, that I always do. Good-night, my dear little Kaia. [_Glances to the right._] Go, go now!

MRS. SOLNESS _and_ DR. HERDAL _enter by the door on the right. He is a
stoutish, elderly man, with a round, good-humoured face, clean
shaven, with thin, light hair, and gold spectacles._

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Still in the doorway._] Halvard, I cannot keep the doctor any longer.

SOLNESS.

Well then, come in here.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_To KAIA, who is turning down the desk-lamp._] Have you finished the letter already, Miss Fosli?

KAIA.

[_In confusion._] The letter——?

SOLNESS.

Yes, it was quite a short one.

MRS. SOLNESS.

It must have been very short.

SOLNESS.

You may go now, Miss Fosli. And please come in good time to-morrow morning.

KAIA.

I will be sure to. Good-night, Mrs. Solness.

[_She goes out by the hall door._

MRS. SOLNESS.

She must be quite an acquisition to you, Halvard, this Miss Fosli.

SOLNESS.

Yes, indeed. She is useful in all sorts of ways.

MRS. SOLNESS.

So it seems.

DR. HERDAL.

Is she good at book-keeping too?

SOLNESS.

Well—of course she has had a good deal of practice during these two years. And then she is so nice and willing to do whatever one asks of her.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, that must be very delightful——

SOLNESS.

It is. Especially when one is not too much accustomed to that sort of thing.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_In a tone of gentle remonstrance._] Can _you_ say that, Halvard?

SOLNESS.

Oh, no, no, my dear Aline; I beg your pardon.

MRS. SOLNESS.

There’s no occasion.—Well then, doctor, you will come back later on, and have a cup of tea with us?

DR. HERDAL.

I have only that one patient to see, and then I’ll come back.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Thank you.

[_She goes out by the door on the right._

SOLNESS.

Are you in a hurry, doctor?

DR. HERDAL.

No, not at all.

SOLNESS.

May I have a little chat with you?

DR. HERDAL.

With the greatest of pleasure.

SOLNESS.

Then let us sit down. [_He motions the doctor to take the rocking-chair, and sits down himself in the arm-chair. Looks searchingly at him._] Tell me—did you notice anything odd about Aline?

DR. HERDAL.

Do you mean just now, when she was here?

SOLNESS.

Yes, in her manner to me. Did you notice anything?

DR. HERDAL.

[_Smiling._] Well, I admit—one couldn’t well avoid noticing that your wife—h’m——

SOLNESS.

Well?

DR. HERDAL.

—that your wife is not particularly fond of this Miss Fosli.

SOLNESS.

Is that all? I have noticed that myself.

DR. HERDAL.

And I must say I am scarcely surprised at it.

SOLNESS.

At what?

DR. HERDAL.

That she should not exactly approve of your seeing so much of another woman, all day and every day.

SOLNESS.

No, no, I suppose you are right there—and Aline too. But it’s impossible to make any change.

DR. HERDAL.

Could you not engage a clerk?

SOLNESS.

The first man that came to hand? No, thank you—that would never do for me.

DR. HERDAL.

But now, if your wife——? Suppose, with her delicate health, all this tries her too much?

SOLNESS.

Even then—I might almost say—it can make no difference. I _must_ keep Kaia Fosli. No one else could fill her place.

DR. HERDAL.

No one else?

SOLNESS.

[_Curtly._] No, no one.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Drawing his chair closer._] Now listen to me my dear Mr. SOLNESS. May I ask you a question, quite between ourselves?

SOLNESS.

By all means.

DR. HERDAL.

Women, you see—in certain matters, they have a deucedly keen intuition——

SOLNESS.

They have, indeed. There is not the least doubt of that. But——?

DR. HERDAL.

Well, tell me now—if your wife can’t endure this Kaia Fosli——?

SOLNESS.

Well, what then?

DR. HERDAL.

—may she not have just—just the least little bit of reason for this instinctive dislike?

SOLNESS.

[_Looks at him and rises._] Oho!

DR. HERDAL.

Now don’t be offended—but _hasn’t_ she?

SOLNESS.

[_With curt decision._] No.

DR. HERDAL.

No reason of any sort?

SOLNESS.

No other reason than her own suspicious nature.

DR. HERDAL.

I know you have known a good many women in your time.

SOLNESS.

Yes, I have.

DR. HERDAL.

And have been a good deal taken with some of them, too.

SOLNESS.

Oh yes, I don’t deny it.

DR. HERDAL.

But as regards Miss Fosli, then? There is nothing of that sort in the case?

SOLNESS.

No; nothing at all—on _my_ side.

DR. HERDAL.

But on her side?

SOLNESS.

I don’t think you have any right to ask that question, doctor.

DR. HERDAL.

Well, you know, we were discussing your wife’s intuition.

SOLNESS.

So we were. And for that matter—[_lowers his voice_]—Aline’s intuition, as you call it—in a certain sense, it has not been so far astray.

DR. HERDAL.

Aha! there we have it!

SOLNESS.

[_Sits down._] Doctor Herdal—I am going to tell you a strange story—if you care to listen to it.

DR. HERDAL.

I like listening to strange stories.

SOLNESS.

Very well then. I daresay you recollect that I took Knut Brovik and his son into my employment—after the old man’s business had gone to the dogs.

DR. HERDAL.

Yes, so I have understood.

SOLNESS.

You see, they really are clever fellows, these two. Each of them has talent in his own way. But then the son took it into his head to get engaged; and the next thing, of course, was that he wanted to get married—and begin to build on his own account. That is the way with all these young people.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Laughing._] Yes, they have a bad habit of wanting to marry.

SOLNESS.

Just so. But of course that did not suit _my_ plans; for I needed Ragnar myself—and the old man too. He is exceedingly good at calculating bearing-strains and cubic contents—and all that sort of devilry, you know.

DR. HERDAL.

Oh yes, no doubt that’s indispensable.

SOLNESS.

Yes, it is. But Ragnar was absolutely bent on setting to work for himself. He would hear of nothing else.

DR. HERDAL.

But he has stayed with you all the same.

SOLNESS.

Yes, I’ll tell you how that came about. One day this girl, Kaia Fosli, came to see them on some errand or other. She had never been here before. And when I saw how utterly infatuated they were with each other, the thought occurred to me: if I could only get her into the office here, then perhaps Ragnar too would stay where he is.

DR. HERDAL.

That was not at all a bad idea.

SOLNESS.

Yes, but at the time I did not breathe a word of what was in my mind. I merely stood and looked at her—and kept on wishing intently that I could have her here. Then I talked to her a little, in a friendly way—about one thing and another. And then she went away.

DR. HERDAL.

Well?

SOLNESS.

Well then, next day, pretty late in the evening, when old Brovik and Ragnar had gone home, she came here again, and behaved as if I had made an arrangement with her.

DR. HERDAL.

An arrangement? What about?

SOLNESS.

About the very thing my mind had been fixed on. But I hadn’t said one single word about it.

DR. HERDAL.

That was most extraordinary.

SOLNESS.

Yes, was it not? And now she wanted to know what she was to do here—whether she could begin the very next morning, and so forth.

DR. HERDAL.

Don’t you think she did it in order to be with her sweetheart?

SOLNESS.

That was what occurred to me at first. But no, that was not it. She seemed to drift quite away from _him_—when once she had come here to me.

DR. HERDAL.

She drifted over to you, then?

SOLNESS.

Yes, entirely. If I happen to look at her when her back is turned, I can tell that she feels it. She quivers and trembles the moment I come near her. What do you think of _that_?

DR. HERDAL.

H’m—that’s not very hard to explain.

SOLNESS.

Well, but what about the other thing? That she believed I had said to her what I had only wished and willed—silently—inwardly—to myself? What do you say to _that_? Can you explain that, Dr. Herdal?

DR. HERDAL.

No, I won’t undertake to do that.

SOLNESS.

I felt sure you would not; and so I have never cared to talk about it till now.—But it’s a cursed nuisance to me in the long run, you understand. Here have I got to go on day after day pretending——. And it’s a shame to treat her so, too, poor girl. [_Vehemently._] But I _cannot_ do anything else. For if _she_ runs away from me—then Ragnar will be off too.

DR. HERDAL.

And you have not told your wife the rights of the story?

SOLNESS.

No.

DR. HERDAL.

Then why on earth don’t you?

SOLNESS.

[_Looks fixedly at him, and says in a low voice_:] Because I seem to find a sort of—of salutary self-torture in allowing Aline to do me an injustice.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Shakes his head._] I don’t in the least understand what you mean.

SOLNESS.

Well, you see—it is like paying off a little bit of a huge, immeasurable debt——

DR. HERDAL.

To your wife?

SOLNESS.

Yes; and that always helps to relieve one’s mind a little. One can breathe more freely for a while, you understand.

DR. HERDAL.

No, goodness knows, I don’t understand at all——

SOLNESS.

[_Breaking off, rises again._] Well, well, well—then we won’t talk any more about it. [_He saunters across the room, returns, and stops beside the table. Looks at the doctor with a sly smile._] I suppose you think you have drawn me out nicely now, doctor?

DR. HERDAL.

[_With some irritation._] Drawn you out? Again I have not the faintest notion what you mean, Mr. Solness.

SOLNESS.

Oh come, out with it; I have seen it quite clearly, you know.

DR. HERDAL.

_What_ have you seen?

SOLNESS.

[_In a low voice, slowly._] That you have been quietly keeping an eye upon me.

DR. HERDAL.

That _I_ have! And why in all the world should I do _that_?

SOLNESS.

Because you think that I——[_Passionately._] Well, devil take it—you think the same of me as Aline does.

DR. HERDAL.

And what does _she_ think about you?

SOLNESS.

[_Having recovered his self-control._] She has begun to think that I am—that I am—ill.

DR. HERDAL.

Ill! _You_! She has never hinted such a thing to me. Why, what can she think is the matter with you?

SOLNESS.

[_Leans over the back of the chair and whispers._] Aline has made up her mind that I am mad. _That_ is what she thinks.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Rising._] Why, my dear good fellow——!

SOLNESS.

Yes, on my soul she does! I tell you it is so. And she has got you to think the same! Oh, I can assure you, doctor, I see it in your face as clearly as possible. You don’t take me in so easily, I can tell you.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Looks at him in amazement._] Never, Mr. Solness—never has such a thought entered my mind.

SOLNESS.

[_With an incredulous smile._] Really? Has it not?

DR. HERDAL.

No, never! Nor your wife’s mind either, I am convinced. I could almost swear to that.

SOLNESS.

Well, I wouldn’t advise you to. For, in a certain sense, you see, perhaps—perhaps she is not so far wrong in thinking something of the kind.

DR. HERDAL.

Come now, I really must say——

SOLNESS.

[_Interrupting, with a sweep of his hand._] Well, well, my dear doctor—don’t let us discuss this any further. We had better agree to differ. [_Changes to a tone of quiet amusement._] But look here now, doctor—h’m——

DR. HERDAL.

Well?

SOLNESS.

Since you don’t believe that I am—ill—and crazy—and mad, and so forth——

DR. HERDAL.

What then?

SOLNESS.

Then I daresay you fancy that I am an extremely happy man.

DR. HERDAL.

Is _that_ mere fancy?

SOLNESS.

[_Laughs._] No, no—of course not! Heaven forbid! Only think—to be Solness the master builder! Halvard Solness! What could be more delightful?

DR. HERDAL.

Yes, I must say it seems to me you have had the luck on your side to an astounding degree.

SOLNESS.

[_Suppresses a gloomy smile._] So I have. I can’t complain on _that_ score.

DR. HERDAL.

First of all that grim old robbers’ castle was burnt down for you. And _that_ was certainly a great piece of luck.

SOLNESS.

[_Seriously._] It was the home of Aline’s family. Remember that.

DR. HERDAL.

Yes, it must have been a great grief to _her_.

SOLNESS.

She has not got over it to this day—not in all these twelve or thirteen years.

DR. HERDAL.

Ah, but what followed must have been the worst blow for her.

SOLNESS.

The one thing with the other.

DR. HERDAL.

But you—yourself—_you_ rose upon the ruins. You began as a poor boy from a country village—and now you are at the head of your profession. Ah, yes, Mr. Solness, you have undoubtedly had the luck on your side.

SOLNESS.

[_Looking at him with embarrassment._] Yes, but that is just what makes me so horribly afraid.

DR. HERDAL.

Afraid? Because you have the luck on your side!

SOLNESS.

It terrifies me—terrifies me every hour of the day. For sooner or later the luck must turn, you see.

DR. HERDAL.

Oh nonsense! What should make the luck turn?

SOLNESS.

[_With firm assurance._] The younger generation.

DR. HERDAL.

Pooh! The younger generation! You are not laid on the shelf yet, I should hope. Oh no—your position here is probably firmer now than it has ever been.

SOLNESS.

The luck _will_ turn. I know it—I feel the day approaching. Some one or other will take it into his head to say: Give _me_ a chance! And then all the rest will come clamouring after him, and shake their fists at me and shout: Make room—make room—make room! Yes, just you see, doctor—presently the younger generation will come knocking at my door——

DR. HERDAL.

[_Laughing._] Well, and what if they do?

SOLNESS.

What if they do? Then there’s an end of Halvard Solness.

[_There is a knock at the door on the left._

SOLNESS.

[_Starts._] What’s that? Did you not hear something?

DR. HERDAL.

Some one is knocking at the door.

SOLNESS.

[_Loudly._] Come in.

HILDA WANGEL _enters by the hall door. She is of middle height, supple,
and delicately built. Somewhat sunburnt. Dressed in a tourist
costume, with skirt caught up for walking, a sailor’s collar open at
the throat, and a small sailor hat on her head. Knapsack on back,
plaid in strap, and alpenstock._

HILDA.

[_Goes straight up to SOLNESS, her eyes sparkling with happiness._] Good evening!

SOLNESS.

[_Looks doubtfully at her._] Good evening——

HILDA.

[_Laughs._] I almost believe you don’t recognise me!

SOLNESS.

No—I must admit that—just for the moment——

DR. HERDAL.

[_Approaching._] But _I_ recognise you, my dear young lady——

HILDA.

[_Pleased._] Oh, is it you that——

DR. HERDAL.

Of course it is. [_To SOLNESS._] We met at one of the mountain stations this summer. [_To HILDA._] What became of the other ladies?

HILDA.

Oh, _they_ went westward.

DR. HERDAL.

They didn’t much like all the fun we used to have in the evenings.

HILDA.

No, I believe they didn’t.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Holds up his finger at her._] And I am afraid it can’t be denied that you flirted a little with us.

HILDA.

Well, that was better fun than to sit there knitting stockings with all those old women.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Laughs._] There I entirely agree with you!

SOLNESS.

Have you come to town this evening?

HILDA.

Yes, I have just arrived.

DR. HERDAL.

Quite alone, Miss Wangel?

HILDA.

Oh yes!

SOLNESS.

Wangel? Is your name Wangel?

HILDA.

[_Looks in amused surprise at him._] Yes, of course it is.

SOLNESS.

Then you must be a daughter of the district doctor up at Lysanger?

HILDA.

[_As before._] Yes, who else’s daughter should I be?

SOLNESS.

Oh, then I suppose we met up there, that summer when I was building a tower on the old church.

HILDA.

[_More seriously._] Yes, of course it was then we met.

SOLNESS.

Well, that is a long time ago.

HILDA.

[_Looks hard at him._] It is exactly the ten years.

SOLNESS.

You must have been a mere child then, I should think.

HILDA.

[_Carelessly._] Well, I was twelve or thirteen.

DR. HERDAL.

Is this the first time you have ever been up to town, Miss Wangel?

HILDA.

Yes, it is indeed.

SOLNESS.

And don’t you know any one here?

HILDA.

Nobody but you. And of course, your wife.

SOLNESS.

So you know _her_, too?

HILDA.

Only a little. We spent a few days together at the sanatorium.

SOLNESS.

Ah, up there?

HILDA.

She said I might come and pay her a visit if ever I came up to town. [_Smiles._] Not that that was necessary.

SOLNESS.

Odd that she should never have mentioned it.

[HILDA _puts her stick down by the stove, takes off the
knapsack and lays it and the plaid on the sofa._ DR. HERDAL
_offers to help her. SOLNESS stands and gazes at her._

HILDA.

[_Going towards him._] Well, now I must ask you to let me stay the night here.

SOLNESS.

I am sure there will be no difficulty about that.

HILDA.

For I have no other clothes than those I stand in, except a change of linen in my knapsack. And that has to go to the wash, for it’s very dirty.

SOLNESS.

Oh yes, that can be managed. Now I’ll just let my wife know——

DR. HERDAL.

Meanwhile I will go and see my patient.

SOLNESS.

Yes, do; and come again later on.

DR. HERDAL.

[_Playfully, with a glance at HILDA._] Oh that I will, you may be very certain! [_Laughs._] So your prediction has come true, Mr. Solness!

SOLNESS.

How so?

DR. HERDAL.

The younger generation _did_ come knocking at your door.

SOLNESS.

[_Cheerfully._] Yes, but in a very different way from what I meant.

DR. HERDAL.

Very different, yes. That’s undeniable.

[_He goes out by the hall-door._ SOLNESS _opens the door on
the right and speaks into the side room._

SOLNESS.

Aline! Will you come in here, please. Here is a friend of yours—Miss Wangel.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Appears in the doorway._] Who do you say it is? [_Sees HILDA._] Oh, is it you, Miss Wangel? [_Goes up to her and offers her hand._] So you have come to town after all.

SOLNESS.

Miss Wangel has this moment arrived; and she would like to stay the night here.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Here with us? Oh yes, certainly.

SOLNESS.

Till she can get her things a little in order, you know.

MRS. SOLNESS.

I will do the best I can for you. It’s no more than my duty. I suppose your trunk is coming on later?

HILDA.

I _have_ no trunk.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Well, it will be all right, I daresay. In the meantime, you must excuse my leaving you here with my husband, until I can get a room made a little comfortable for you.

SOLNESS.

Can we not give her one of the nurseries? _They_ are all ready as it is.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Oh yes. There we have room and to spare. [_To HILDA._] Sit down now, and rest a little.

rj [_She goes out to the right._

[HILDA, _with her hands behind her back, strolls about the
room and looks at various objects._ SOLNESS _stands in
front, beside the table, also with his hands behind his
back, and follows her with his eyes._

HILDA.

[_Stops and looks at him._] Have you several nurseries?

SOLNESS.

There are three nurseries in the house.

HILDA.

That’s a lot. Then I suppose you have a great many children?

SOLNESS.

No. We have no child. But now _you_ can be the child here, for the time being.

HILDA.

For to-night, yes. I shall not cry. I mean to sleep as sound as a stone.

SOLNESS.

Yes, you must be very tired, I should think.

HILDA.

Oh no! But all the same—— It’s so delicious to lie and dream.

SOLNESS.

Do you dream much of nights?

HILDA.

Oh yes! Almost always.

SOLNESS.

What do you dream about most?

HILDA.

I sha’n’t tell you to-night. Another time—perhaps.

[_She again strolls about the room, stops at the desk and
turns over the books and papers a little._

SOLNESS.

[_Approaching._] Are you searching for anything?

HILDA.

No, I am merely looking at all these things. [_Turns._] Perhaps I mustn’t?

SOLNESS.

Oh, by all means.

HILDA.

Is it _you_ that write in this great ledger?

SOLNESS.

No, it’s my book-keeper.

HILDA.

Is it a woman?

SOLNESS.

[_Smiles._] Yes.

HILDA.

One you employ here, in your office?

SOLNESS.

Yes.

HILDA.

Is she married?

SOLNESS.

No, she is single.

HILDA.

Oh, indeed!

SOLNESS.

But I believe she is soon going to be married.

HILDA.

That’s a good thing for _her_.

SOLNESS.

But not such a good thing for _me_. For then I shall have nobody to help me.

HILDA.

Can’t you get hold of some one else who will do just as well?

SOLNESS.

Perhaps _you_ would stay here and—and write in the ledger?

HILDA.

[_Measures him with a glance._] Yes, I daresay! No, thank you—nothing of that sort for me.

[_She again strolls across the room, and sits down in the
rocking-chair._ SOLNESS _too goes to the table._

HILDA.

[_Continuing._] For there must surely be plenty of other things to be done here. [_Looks smilingly at him._] Don’t you think so, too?

SOLNESS.

Of course. First of all, I suppose, you want to make a round of the shops, and get yourself up in the height of fashion.

HILDA.

[_Amused._] No, I think I shall let _that_ alone!

SOLNESS.

Indeed?

HILDA.

For you must know I have run through all my money.

SOLNESS.

[_Laughs._] Neither trunk nor money, then!

HILDA.

Neither one nor the other. But never mind—it doesn’t matter now.

SOLNESS.

Come now, I like you for _that_.

HILDA.

Only for _that_?

SOLNESS.

For that among other things. [_Sits in the armchair._] Is your father alive still?

HILDA.

Yes, father’s alive.

SOLNESS.

Perhaps you are thinking of studying here?

HILDA.

No, that hadn’t occurred to me.

SOLNESS.

But I suppose you will be staying for some time?

HILDA.

That must depend upon circumstances.

[_She sits awhile rocking herself and looking at him, half
seriously, half with a suppressed smile. Then she takes off
her hat and puts it on the table in front of her._

HILDA.

Mr. Solness!

SOLNESS.

Well?

HILDA.

Have you a very bad memory?

SOLNESS.

A bad memory? No, not that I am aware of.

HILDA.

Then have you nothing to say to me about what happened up there?

SOLNESS.

[_In momentary surprise._] Up at Lysanger? [_Indifferently._] Why, it was nothing much to talk about, it seems to me.

HILDA.

[_Looks reproachfully at him._] How can you sit there and say such things?

SOLNESS.

Well, then, _you_ talk to me about it.

HILDA.

When the tower was finished, we had grand doings in the town.

SOLNESS.

Yes, I shall not easily forget that day.

HILDA.

[_Smiles._] Will you not? That comes well from _you_.

SOLNESS.

Comes well?

HILDA.

There was music in the churchyard—and many, many hundreds of people. We school-girls were dressed in white; and we all carried flags.

SOLNESS.

All yes, those flags—I can tell you I remember _them_!

HILDA.

Then you climbed right up the scaffolding, straight to the very top; and you had a great wreath with you; and you hung that wreath right away up on the weather-vane.

SOLNESS.

[_Curtly interrupting._] I always did that in those days. It is an old custom.

HILDA.

It was so wonderfully thrilling to stand below and look up at you. Fancy, if he should fall over! He—the master builder himself!

SOLNESS.

[_As if to divert her from the subject._] Yes, yes, yes, that might very well have happened, too. For one of those white-frocked little devils,—she went on in such a way, and screamed up at me so——

HILDA.

[_Sparkling with pleasure._] “Hurra for Master Builder Solness!” Yes!

SOLNESS.

—and waved and flourished with her flag, so that I—so that it almost made me giddy to look at it.

HILDA.

[_In a lower voice, seriously._] That little devil—that was _I_.

SOLNESS.

[_Fixes his eyes steadily upon her._] I am sure of that now. It _must_ have been you.

HILDA.

[_Lively again._] Oh, it was so gloriously thrilling! I could not have believed there was a builder in the whole world that could build such a tremendously high tower. And then, that you yourself should stand at the very top of it, as large as life! And that you should not be the least bit dizzy! It was _that_ above everything that made one—made one dizzy to think of.

SOLNESS.

How could you be so certain that I was not——?

HILDA.

[_Scouting the idea._] No indeed! Oh no! I knew that instinctively. For if you had been, you could never have stood up there and sung.

SOLNESS.

[_Looks at her in astonishment.]_] Sung? Did _I_ sing?

HILDA.

Yes, I should think you did.

SOLNESS.

[_Shakes his head._] I have never sung a note in my life.

HILDA.

Yes indeed, you sang then. It sounded like harps in the air.

SOLNESS.

[_Thoughtfully._] This is very strange—all this.

HILDA.

[_Is silent awhile, looks at him and says in a low voice_:] But then,—it was after that—that the _real_ thing happened.

SOLNESS.

The real thing?

HILDA.

[_Sparkling with vivacity._] Yes, I surely don’t need to remind you of _that_?

SOLNESS.

Oh yes, do remind me a little of _that_, too.

HILDA.

Don’t you remember that a great dinner was given in your honour at the Club?

SOLNESS.

Yes, to be sure. It must have been the same afternoon, for I left the place next morning.

HILDA.

And from the Club you were invited to come round to our house to supper.

SOLNESS.

Quite right, Miss Wangel. It is wonderful how all these trifles have impressed themselves on your mind.

HILDA.

Trifles! I like that! Perhaps it was a trifle, too, that I was _alone_ in the room when you came in?

SOLNESS.

_Were_ you alone?

HILDA.

[_Without answering him._] You didn’t call me a little devil _then_?

SOLNESS.

No, I suppose I did not.

HILDA.

You said I was lovely in my white dress, and that I looked like a little princess.

SOLNESS.

I have no doubt you did, Miss Wangel.—And besides—I was feeling so buoyant and free that day——

HILDA.

And then you said that when I grew up I should be _your_ princess.

SOLNESS.

[_Laughing a little._] Dear, dear—did I say _that_ too?

HILDA.

Yes, you did. And when I asked how long I should have to wait, you said that you would come again in ten years—like a troll—and carry me off—to Spain or some such place. And you promised you would buy me a kingdom there.

SOLNESS.

[_As before._] Yes, after a good dinner one doesn’t haggle about the halfpence. But did I really _say_ all that?

HILDA.

[_Laughs to herself._] Yes. And you told me, too, what the kingdom was to be called.

SOLNESS.

Well, what was it?

HILDA.

It was to be called the kingdom of Orangia,[26] you said.

SOLNESS.

Well, that was an appetising name.

HILDA.

No, I didn’t like it a bit; for it seemed as though you wanted to make game of me.

SOLNESS.

I am sure _that_ cannot have been my intention.

HILDA.

No, I should hope not—considering what you did next——

SOLNESS.

What in the world did I do next?

HILDA.

Well, that’s the finishing touch, if you have forgotten _that_ too. I should have thought no one could help remembering such a thing as that.

SOLNESS.

Yes, yes, just give me a hint, and then perhaps——Well?

HILDA.

[_Looks fixedly at him._] You came and kissed me, Mr. SOLNESS.

SOLNESS.

[_Open-mouthed, rising from his chair._] _I_ did!

HILDA.

Yes, indeed you did. You took me in both your arms, and bent my head back, and kissed me—many times.

SOLNESS.

Now really, my dear Miss Wangel——!

HILDA.

[_Rises._] You surely cannot mean to deny it?

SOLNESS.

Yes, I do. I deny it altogether!

HILDA.

[_Looks scornfully at him._] Oh, indeed!

[_She turns and goes slowly close up to the stove, where she
remains standing motionless, her face averted from him, her
hands behind her back. Short pause._

SOLNESS.

[_Goes cautiously up behind her._] Miss Wangel——!

HILDA.

[_Is silent and does not move._]

SOLNESS.

Don’t stand there like a statue. You must have dreamt all this. [_Lays his hand on her arm._] Now just listen——

HILDA.

[_Makes an impatient movement with her arm._]

SOLNESS.

[_As a thought flashes upon him._] Or——! Wait a moment! There is something under all this, you may depend!

HILDA.

[_Does not move._]

SOLNESS.

[_In a low voice, but with emphasis._] I must have _thought_ all that. I must have _wished_ it—have _willed_ it—have _longed_ to do it. And then——. May not that be the explanation?

HILDA.

[_Is still silent._]

SOLNESS.

[_Impatiently._] Oh very well, deuce take it all—then I _did_ do it, I suppose.

HILDA.

[_Turns her head a little, but without looking at him._] Then you admit it now?

SOLNESS.

Yes—whatever you like.

HILDA.

You came and put your arms round me?

SOLNESS.

Oh yes!

HILDA.

And bent my head back?

SOLNESS.

Very far back.

HILDA.

And kissed me?

SOLNESS.

Yes, I did

HILDA.

Many times?

SOLNESS.

As many as ever you like.

HILDA.

[_Turns quickly towards him and has once more the sparkling expression of gladness in her eyes._] Well, you see, I got it out of you at last!

SOLNESS.

[_With a slight smile._] Yes—just think of my forgetting such a thing as that.

HILDA.

[_Again a little sulky, retreats from him._] Oh, you have kissed so many people in your time, I suppose.

SOLNESS.

No, you mustn’t think _that_ of me. [_HILDA seats herself in the arm-chair. SOLNESS stands and leans against the rocking-chair. Looks observantly at her._] Miss Wangel!

HILDA.

Yes!

SOLNESS.

How _was_ it now? What came of all this—between us two?

HILDA.

Why, nothing more came of it. You know that quite well. For then the other guests came in, and then—bah!

SOLNESS.

Quite so! The others came in. To think of my forgetting _that_ too!

HILDA.

Oh, you haven’t really forgotten anything: you are only a little ashamed of it all. I am sure one doesn’t forget things of that kind.

SOLNESS.

No, one would suppose not.

HILDA.

[_Lively again, looks at him._] Perhaps you have even forgotten what day it was?

SOLNESS.

What day——?

HILDA.

Yes, on what day did you hang the wreath on the tower? Well? Tell me at once!

SOLNESS.

H’m—I confess I have forgotten the particular day. I only know it was ten years ago. Some time in the autumn.

HILDA.

[_Nods her head slowly several times._] It was ten years ago—on the 19th of September.

SOLNESS.

Yes, it must have been about that time. Fancy your remembering that too! [_Stops._] But wait a moment——! Yes—it’s the 19th of September to-day.

HILDA.

Yes, it is; and the ten years are gone. And you didn’t come—as you had promised me.

SOLNESS.

Promised you? Threatened, I suppose you mean?

HILDA.

I don’t think there was any sort of threat in _that_.

SOLNESS.

Well then, a little bit of fun.

HILDA.

Was _that_ all you wanted? To make fun of me?

SOLNESS.

Well, or to have a little joke with you! Upon my soul, I don’t recollect. But it must have been something of that kind; for you were a mere child then.

HILDA.

Oh, perhaps I wasn’t quite such a child either. Not such a mere chit as you imagine.

SOLNESS.

[_Looks searchingly at her._] Did you really and seriously expect me to come again?

HILDA.

[_Conceals a half-teasing smile._] Yes, indeed! I did expect _that_ of you.

SOLNESS.

That I should come back to your home, and take you away with me?

HILDA.

Just like a troll—yes.

SOLNESS.

And make a princess of you?

HILDA.

That’s what you promised.

SOLNESS.

And give you a kingdom as well?

HILDA.

[_Looks up at the ceiling._] Why not? Of course it need not have been an actual, every-day sort of a kingdom.

SOLNESS.

But something else just as good?

HILDA.

Yes, at least as good. [_Looks at him a moment._] I thought, if you could build the highest church-towers in the world, you could surely manage to raise a kingdom of one sort or another as well.

SOLNESS.

[_Shakes his head._] I can’t quite make you out, Miss Wangel.

HILDA.

Can you not? To me it seems all so simple.

SOLNESS.

No, I can’t make up my mind whether you mean all you say, or are simply having a joke with me.

HILDA.

[_Smiles._] Making fun of you, perhaps? I, too?

SOLNESS.

Yes, exactly. Making fun—of both of us. [_Looks at her._] Is it long since you found out that I was married?

HILDA.

I have known it all along. Why do you ask me _that_?

SOLNESS.

[_Lightly._] Oh, well, it just occurred to me. [_Looks earnestly at her, and says in a low voice._] What have you come for?

HILDA.

I want my kingdom. The time is up.

SOLNESS.

[_Laughs involuntarily._] What a girl you are!

HILDA.

[_Gaily._] Out with my kingdom, Mr. Solness! [_Raps with her fingers._] The kingdom on the table!

SOLNESS.

[_Pushing the rocking-chair nearer and sitting down._] Now, seriously speaking—what have you come for? What do you really want to do here?

HILDA.

Oh, first of all, I want to go round and look at all the things that you have built.

SOLNESS.

That will give you plenty of exercise.

HILDA.

Yes, I know you have built a tremendous lot.

SOLNESS.

I have indeed—especially of late years.

HILDA.

Many church-towers among the rest? Immensely high ones?

SOLNESS.

No. I build no more church-towers now. Nor churches either.

HILDA.

What _do_ you build then?

SOLNESS.

Homes for human beings.

HILDA.

[_Reflectively._] Couldn’t you build a little—a little bit of a church-tower over these homes as well?

SOLNESS.

[_Starting._] What do you mean by _that_?

HILDA.

I mean—something that points—points up into the free air. With the vane at a dizzy height.

SOLNESS.

[_Pondering a little._] Strange that you should say _that_—for that is just what I am most anxious to do.

HILDA.

[_Impatiently._] Why don’t you do it, then?

SOLNESS.

[_Shakes his head._] No, the people will not have it.

HILDA.

Fancy their not wanting it!

SOLNESS.

[_More lightly._] But now I am building a new home for myself—just opposite here.

HILDA.

For yourself?

SOLNESS.

Yes. It is almost finished. And on that there is a tower.

HILDA.

A high tower?

SOLNESS.

Yes.

HILDA.

Very high?

SOLNESS.

No doubt people will say it is _too_ high—too high for a dwelling-house.

HILDA.

I’ll go out and look at that tower the first thing to-morrow morning.

SOLNESS.

[_Sits resting his check on his hand, and gazes at her._] Tell me, Miss Wangel—what is your name? Your Christian name, I mean?

HILDA.

Why, Hilda, of course.

SOLNESS.

[_As before._] Hilda? Indeed?

HILDA.

Don’t you remember _that_? You called me Hilda yourself—that day when you misbehaved.

SOLNESS.

Did I really?

HILDA.

But then you said “_little_ Hilda”; and I didn’t like that.

SOLNESS.

Oh, you didn’t like that, Miss Hilda?

HILDA.

No, not at such a time as that. But—“Princess Hilda”—that will sound very well, I think.

SOLNESS.

Very well indeed. Princess Hilda of—of—what was to be the name of the kingdom?

HILDA.

Pooh! I won’t have anything to do with _that_ stupid kingdom. I have set my heart upon quite a different one!

SOLNESS.

[_Has leaned back in the chair, still gazing at her._] Isn’t it strange——? The more I think of it now, the more it seems to me as though I had gone about all these years torturing myself with—h’m——

HILDA.

With what?

SOLNESS.

With the effort to recover something—some experience, which I seemed to have forgotten. But I never had the least inkling of what it could be.

HILDA.

You should have tied a knot in your pocket-handkerchief, Mr. Solness.

SOLNESS.

In that case, I should simply have had to go racking my brains to discover what the knot could mean.

HILDA.

Oh yes, I suppose there are trolls of _that_ kind in the world, too.

SOLNESS.

[_Rises slowly._] What a good thing it is that _you_ have come to me now.

HILDA.

[_Looks deeply into his eyes._] _Is_ it a good thing!

SOLNESS.

For I have been so lonely here. I have been gazing so helplessly at it all. [_In a lower voice._] I must tell you—I have begun to be so afraid—so terribly afraid of the younger generation.

HILDA.

[_With a little snort of contempt._] Pooh—is the younger generation a thing to be afraid of?

SOLNESS.

It is indeed. And that is why I have locked and barred myself in. [_Mysteriously_] I tell you the younger generation will one day come and thunder at my door! They will break in upon me!

HILDA.

Then I should say you ought to go out and open the door to the younger generation.

SOLNESS.

Open the door?

HILDA.

Yes. Let them come in to you on friendly terms, as it were.

SOLNESS.

No, no, no! The younger generation—it means retribution, you see. It comes, as if under a new banner, heralding the turn of fortune.

HILDA.

[_Rises, looks at him, and says with a quivering twitch of her lips._] Can _I_ be of any use to you, Mr. Solness?

SOLNESS.

Yes, you can indeed! For you, too, come—under a new banner, it seems to me. Youth marshalled against youth——!

_DR. HERDAL comes in by the hall-door._

DR. HERDAL.

What—you and Miss Wangel here still?

SOLNESS.

Yes. We have had no end of things to talk about.

HILDA.

Both old and new.

DR. HERDAL.

Have you really?

HILDA.

Oh, it has been the greatest fun. For Mr. Solness—he has such a miraculous memory. All the least little details he remembers instantly.

_MRS. SOLNESS enters by the door on the right._

MRS. SOLNESS.

Well, Miss Wangel, your room is quite ready for you now.

HILDA.

Oh, how kind you are to me!

SOLNESS.

[_To MRS. SOLNESS._] The nursery?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, the middle one. But first let us go in to supper.

SOLNESS.

[_Nods to HILDA._] Hilda shall sleep in the nursery, she shall.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Looks at him._] Hilda?

SOLNESS.

Yes, Miss Wangel’s name is Hilda. I knew her when she was a child.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Did you really, Halvard? Well, shall we go? Supper is on the table.

[_She takes_ DR. HERDAL’S _arm and goes out with him to the
right._ HILDA _has meanwhile been collecting her travelling
things._

HILDA.

[_Softly and rapidly to SOLNESS._] Is it true, what you said? _Can_ I be of use to you?

SOLNESS.

[_Takes the things from her._] _You_ are the very being I have needed most.

HILDA.

[_Looks at him with happy, wondering eyes and clasps her hands._] But then, great heavens——!

SOLNESS.

[_Eagerly._] What——?

HILDA.

Then I _have_ my kingdom!

SOLNESS.

[_Involuntarily._] Hilda——!

HILDA.

[_Again with the quivering twitch of her lips._] _Almost_—I was going to say.

[_She goes out to the right,_ SOLNESS _follows her._

-----

Footnote 26:

In the original “Appelsinia,” “appelsin” meaning “orange.”

ACT SECOND.

_A prettily furnished small drawing-room in_ SOLNESS’S _house. In the
back, a glass-door leading out to the verandah and garden. The
right-hand corner is cut off transversely by a large bay-window,
in which are flower-stands. The left-hand corner is similarly cut
off by a transverse wall, in which is a small door papered like
the wall. On each side, an ordinary door. In front, on the right,
a console table with a large mirror over it. Well-filled stands of
plants and flowers. In front, on the left, a sofa with a table and
chairs. Further back, a bookcase. Well forward in the room, before
the bay window, a small table and some chairs. It is early in the
day._

SOLNESS _sits by the little table with_ RAGNAR BROVIK’S _portfolio open
in front of him. He is turning the drawings over and closely
examining some of them._ MRS. SOLNESS _moves about noiselessly
with a small watering-pot, attending to her flowers. She is
dressed in black as before. Her hat, cloak and parasol lie on a
chair near the mirror. Unobserved by her,_ SOLNESS _now and again
follows her with his eyes. Neither of them speaks._

KAIA FOSLI _enters quietly by the door on the left._

SOLNESS.

[_Turns his head, and says in an off hand tone of indifference_] Well, is that you?

KAIA.

I merely wished to let you know that I have come.

SOLNESS.

Yes, yes, that’s all right. Hasn’t Ragnar come too?

KAIA.

No, not yet. He had to wait a little while to see the doctor. But he is coming presently to hear——

SOLNESS.

How is the old man to-day?

KAIA.

Not well. He begs you to excuse him; he is obliged to keep his bed to-day.

SOLNESS.

Why, of course; by all means let him rest. But now, get to your work.

KAIA.

Yes. [_Pauses at the door._] Do you wish to speak to Ragnar when he comes?

SOLNESS.

No—I don’t know that I have anything particular to say to him.

[KAIA _goes out again to the left._ SOLNESS _remains seated,
turning over the drawings._

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Over beside the plants._] I wonder if he isn’t going to die now, as well?

SOLNESS.

[_Looks up at her._] As well as who?

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Without answering._] Yes, yes—depend upon it, Halvard, old Brovik is going to die too. You’ll see that he will.

SOLNESS.

My dear Aline, ought you not to go out for a little walk?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, I suppose I ought to.

[_She continues to attend to the flowers._

SOLNESS.

[_Bending over the drawings._] Is she still asleep?

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Looking at him._] Is it Miss Wangel you are sitting there thinking about?

SOLNESS.

[_Indifferently._] I just happened to recollect her.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Miss Wangel was up long ago.

SOLNESS.

Oh, was she?

MRS. SOLNESS.

When I went in to see her, she was busy putting her things in order.

[_She goes in front of the mirror and slowly begins to put on
her hat._

SOLNESS.

[_After a short pause._] So we have found a use for one of our nurseries after all, Aline.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, we have.

SOLNESS.

That seems to me better than to have them all standing empty.

MRS. SOLNESS.

That emptiness is dreadful; you are right there.

SOLNESS.

[_Closes the portfolio, rises and approaches her._] You will find that we shall get on far better after this, Aline. Things will be more comfortable. Life will be easier—especially for _you_.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Looks at him._] After this?

SOLNESS.

Yes, believe me, Aline——

MRS. SOLNESS.

Do you mean—because _she_ has come here?

SOLNESS.

[_Checking himself._] I mean, of course—when once we have moved into the new house.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Takes her cloak._] Ah, do you think so, Halvard? Will it be better then?

SOLNESS.

I can’t think otherwise. And surely you think so too?

MRS. SOLNESS.

I think nothing at all about the new house.

SOLNESS.

[_Cast down._] It’s hard for me to hear you say that; for you know it is mainly for your sake that I have built it.

[_He offers to help her on with her cloak._

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Evades him._] The fact is, you do far too much for my sake.

SOLNESS.

[_With a certain vehemence._] No, no, you really mustn’t say that, Aline! I cannot bear to hear you say such things!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Very well, then I won’t say it, Halvard.

SOLNESS.

But I stick to what _I_ said. You’ll see that things will be easier for you in the new place.

MRS. SOLNESS.

Oh heavens—easier for me——

SOLNESS.

[_Eagerly._] Yes, indeed they will! You may be quite sure of that! For you see—there will be so very, very much _there_ that will remind you of your own home——

MRS. SOLNESS.

The home that used to be father’s and mother’s—and that was burnt to the ground——

SOLNESS.

[_In a low voice._] Yes, yes, my poor Aline. That was a terrible blow for you.

MRS. SOLNESS.

[_Breaking out in lamentation._] You may build as much as ever you like, Halvard—you can never build up again a real home for _me_!

SOLNESS.

[_Crosses the room._] Well, in Heaven’s name, let us talk no more about it then.

MRS. SOLNESS.

We are not in the habit of talking about it. For you always put the thought away from you——

SOLNESS.

[_Stops suddenly and looks at her._] Do I? And why should I do _that_? Put the thought away from me?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Oh yes, Halvard, I understand you very well. You are so anxious to spare me—and to find excuses for me too—as much as ever you can.

SOLNESS.

[_With astonishment in his eyes._] _You!_ Is it _you_—yourself, that you are talking about Aline?

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, who else should it be but myself?

SOLNESS.

[Involuntarily to himself.] _That_ too!

MRS. SOLNESS.

As for the old house, I wouldn’t mind so much about that. When once misfortune was in the air—why——

SOLNESS.

Ah, you are right there. Misfortune will have its way—as the saying goes.

MRS. SOLNESS.

But it’s what came of the fire—the dreadful thing that followed——! _That_ is the thing! That, that, that!

SOLNESS.

[_Vehemently._] Don’t think about _that_, Aline!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Ah, that is exactly what I cannot help thinking about. And now, at last, I must speak about it, too; for I don’t seem able to bear it any longer. And then never to be able to forgive myself——

SOLNESS.

[_Exclaiming._] Yourself——!

MRS. SOLNESS.

Yes, for I had duties on both sides—both towards you and towards the little ones. I ought to have hardened myself—not to have let the horror take such hold upon me—nor the grief for the burning of my home. [_Wrings her hands._] Oh, Halvard, if I had only had the strength!

SOLNESS.

[_Softly, much moved, comes closer._] Aline—you must promise me never to think these thoughts any more.—Promise me that, dear!

MRS. SOLNESS.