]
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.
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.
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