] 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 noblest 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?
SOLNESS.
Well, that I think that he ought to have been pleased with me.
HILDA.
He? What he?
SOLNESS.
He who was to have the churches, of course! He to whose honour and
glory they were dedicated.
HILDA.
Oh, indeed! But are you certain, then, that--that he was not--pleased
with you?
SOLNESS.
[Scornfully.] He pleased with me! How can you talk so, Hilda? He
who gave the troll in me leave to lord it just as it pleased. He
who bade them be at hand to serve me, both day and might--all these--
all these---
HILDA.
Devils---
SOLNESS.
Yes, of both kinds. Oh no, he mad me feel clearly enough that he
was not pleased with me. [Mysteriously.] You see, that was really
the reason why he made the old house burn down.
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