HILDA.
Did you not like building the church-tower in our town?
SOLNESS.
I didn't like it. I know how free and happy I felt when that tower
was finished.
HILDA.
_I_ know that, too.
SOLNESS.
And now I shall never--never build anything of that sort again!
Neither churches nor church-towers.
HILDA.
[Nods slowly.] Nothing but houses for people to live in.
SOLNESS.
Homes for human beings, Hilda.
HILDA.
But homes with high towers and pinnacles upon them.
SOLNESS.
If possible. [Adopts a lighter tone.] But, as I said before, that
fire was the making of me--as a builder, I mean.
HILDA.
Why don't you call yourself an architect, like the others?
SOLNESS.
I have not been systematically enough taught for that. Most of what
I know I have found out for myself.
HILDA.
But you succeeded all the same.
SOLNESS.
Yes, thanks to the fire. I laid out almost the whole of the garden
in villa lots; and there I was able to build after my own heart. So
I came to the front with a rush.
HILDA.
[Looks keenly at him.] You must surely be a very happy man, as
matters stand with you.
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